Acanthosis Nigricans: A Skin Disorder

Many of us may not have heard or aware of the skin disorder called Acanthosis nigricans. U.S. National Library of Medicine (2012) stated that Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, soft skin in body folds and creases. Some people who have seen Acanthosis nigricans among their friends and relatives may perceive this as a dirty skin because of lack of personal hygiene, but the child and teenagers must be struggling to hide and cure it. Indeed, there is no relation of this skin disorder with unhygienic behavior and person may end up by using different chemicals in the skin that further irritate the skin and increase the level of stress.

 Acanthosis nigricans does not normally appear with other symptoms besides changes in the skin. Later on, dark, thick and smooth skin can spread in other parts of the body. I can be appeared in the groin, neck folds, knees, armpits, knuckles, fingers and toes.

Do not worry! Acanthosis nigricans is not dangerous and communicable in nature. Obesity can lead to this skin disorder, as can some endocrine disorders. It is often found in people with obesity-related insulin resistance. So, the important thing to consider is to control your obesity. As this disorder is seen with the children who are obese or overweight and the symptoms go away after losing the body weight. According to American Diabetes Association, 75% of kids with type 2 diabetes develop Acanthosis nigaricans (AN). Hence, do not forget to consult your healthcare provider in order to test your blood for sugar level because you are at greater risk for developing diabetes.

Dowshen (2010) suggested that practice eating healthy and exercise regularly or remain physically active, which will help lose your weight and ultimately the darkness of skin will become less noticeable.

My advice: Even though, the appearances of your skin can make you feel embarrassed and self-conscious about the body image, you should remain motivated to prevent future disorder by understanding the pattern of existing disease. Sharing is always the best idea to relieve your stress, so do not wait and afraid to share your feeling with the people who love you.

References

Dowshen, S. (2010). Acanthosis nigricans: TeensHealth. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/acanthosis.html

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2012). Acanthosis nigaricans: PubMed Health. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001855/