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| Acanthosis nigricans can affect anyone |
That dark area found on the neck, armpits, groin and other parts of the body isn't just regular darkening. It is a skin condition called Acanthosis nigricans (AN). It looks like cracked, raised skin a tone darker than your original color.
This skin condition can be due to benign causes or even malignant.
- Benign – Obesity, genetics and metabolic disorders like Diabetes Mellitus.
- Malignant – Tumors that produce insulin-like hormones or tumor necrosis factor.
Types of Acanthosis Nigricans
There several types of this skin condition depending on the specific cause.
Obesity-associated acanthosis nigricans
The most common type of AN that commonly appears during adulthood. It is specifically caused by insulin resistance related to obesity. The insulin has a growth-like influence on the body which causes AN.
