Acanthosis Nigricans is a benign skin condition, where black or velvety-grey brown plaques develop on the skin. It occurs at the area of skin folding like in the armpits, neck, back, stomach, and groin.
This dermatologic condition is often associated with various endocrine conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. The most common cause of Acanthosis Nigricans is insulin resistant conditions in the body like diabetes mellitus. Obesity also triggers this skin condition to arise in patients.
However, the exact cause of this dermatologic condition is not yet or poorly understood. Experts though that the high levels of insulin in the body stimulates the growth of receptors in the skin cells, which lead to hyper pigmented plaques. The treatment to this condition is normally done by treating first the underlying health conditions of the patient such as high glucose levels in the blood and obesity. Diet and exercise are the simplest means to combat these health problems.
Exfoliation is a home remedy for Acanthosis Nigricans. Keep exfoliating on areas of the skin during your showers. After bathing, put on AHA creams to treat the appearance of the spots. You can also use supplements such as flax seed oil. Take two in the morning and another two in the afternoon.
Losing weight is another home remedy for this condition. Although Acanthosis Nigricans is a dermatological condition, it’s generally caused by insulin resistance. Excess weight causes the insulin resistance levels in the body to increase leading to elevated insulin levels. When the insulin levels in the body increase, it stimulates the cells that make pigment or the melanocytes. Dropping your weight will stop the insulin levels from increasing and the Acanthosis Nigricans will go away.
Acanthosis Nigricans Treatment
Experts recommend patients to decrease their overall caloric intake and maintain a low fat diet. At the same time, this will help in losing weight. Losing weight leads to reduced blood sugar levels. Plus, the addition of regular aerobic exercise program can help balance your diet, which aids blood sugar reduction and weight loss. Oftentimes, when the patient cannot achieve the desired result from acanthosis nigricans home remedies, medications are required.
However, if your doctor determines that your Acanthosis Nigricans is not connected to a more serious medical condition, you don’t need to be afraid. Although the Acanthosis Nigricans fades on its own, your doctor may prescribe you with treatments to improve the appearance of your skin. Lotions or creams are the most common treatment to this skin condition.
However, over the counter creams, lotions, and scrubs may harm your skin and do not guarantee 100% success in treating your condition. The best way to treat the condition is to stay physically active and eat right.
You may also need to take extra measures to caring for your own self. This condition is visible, and you may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about how your skin looks. It can help if you talk to someone to give you support. Consulting your doctor very often can help you determine the exact condition of your Acanthosis Nigricans and determine the best treatment plan for you.
