Acanthosis nigricans
Treatments to lighten dark, thickened skin.
Acanthosis nigricans causes dark, dry patches of skin to form on your body. The patches are usually found on your neck and armpits, or around your groin area. Often, symptoms are caused by another underlying condition.
We can help you find safe skin treatments that are tailored to you. Order acanthosis nigricans treatments online, and get help from our expert clinicians whenever you need it.
Acanthosis nigricans (sometimes shortened to AN) is a condition that makes patches of your skin thicker and darker. It’s usually a sign of another underlying condition , so it’s recommended you seek help to get your symptoms under control as soon as they start to develop (as well as find out what might be causing it).
Although the usual affected areas are your neck, armpits and groin, dark patches can form on other parts of your body, including:
Women can sometimes develop the patches underneath their breasts. A clinician can give you specific advice if you develop acanthosis nigricans in any unexpected areas or parts of your body not listed above.
As well as becoming darker, the texture of affected skin can also change, becoming thicker and ‘velvety’. Sometimes, you might also see papillomatous overgrowths of the epidermis (your top layer of skin). Papillomatous growths (papillomas) are usually benign.
If your symptoms indicate acanthosis nigricans is causing your skin problems, a clinician will usually advise you to have some tests done. These can be carried out by your GP, and can help establish the root cause of your condition.
Anyone can develop acanthosis nigricans, but it typically affects people under the age of 40.
Those most at risk of getting it are people who are:
Although the exact cause of acanthosis nigricans is unclear, it commonly affects people with diabetes and insulin resistance.
While it’s hard to say exactly how common acanthosis nigricans is, there is some evidence that suggests people with black or brown skin are more likely to be affected by it.
Sometimes, symptoms develop in otherwise healthy people for no apparent reason. Often, though, acanthosis nigricans is caused by another condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
An HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) test can determine whether you have too much sugar in your blood. If diabetes or any other condition is behind your acanthosis nigricans, your GP can advise you about the best treatments and management plans available. Our clinicians are also on hand to answer questions about suitable options that can help you.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
There isn’t always a cause for acanthosis nigricans, but more often than not there are underlying reasons why darkened, thick patches of skin have developed. Pre-existing conditions (you may or may not be aware of), medications, or treatments that affect your hormones can all contribute to the condition. These include:
Pinpointing a cause for your acanthosis nigricans is usually the first step for finding suitable treatment options.
The most common symptom of acanthosis nigricans is the development of dry, dark patches of skin on your body. They can appear anywhere, but usually affect your armpits, neck, and groin.
The affected areas typically become thicker, and can have a velvet-like feel. They often occur in skin folds, and sometimes have skin tags (small growths of skin) attached to them. The skin on the affected areas can sometimes be itchy, or have an odour.
While acanthosis nigricans might not lead to further health complications, darkened patches of thick, ‘velvety’ skin are often a sign of another condition, such as diabetes. For this reason, you’ll usually be asked to provide test results so our clinicians can make a thorough diagnosis before offering treatments.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
The medication you’re prescribed for AN (acanthosis nigricans) will depend on what, if anything, is causing your symptoms. Retinoids, such as Tretinoin, share similar structural properties with vitamin A, and are often used as a first-line option for treating AN.
Keratolytic peels, which break down outer layers of skin and can reduce thickness, are also used. These include salicylic acid, found in CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream.
Cosmetic skincare products are available over the counter from most high street pharmacies, and often don’t require a prescription.
Although they often contain active ingredients similar to prescription products, using over the counter creams and moisturisers to lighten your skin or treat acanthosis nigricans can sometimes be risky. This is because there’s no guarantee the products will work, and you also have less assurance that they’re suitable for you. Products containing corticosteroids, mercury, or hydroquinone should always be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
It’s unlikely acanthosis nigricans will clear up on its own without giving it proper attention. Medications are often used to change the appearance and tone of the affected patches of skin, and might not heal them or make them disappear.
If there is a condition causing the darkened patches, such as diabetes, then sometimes improving this can in turn improve your skin, meaning you might not need any medical treatment.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Acanthosis Nigricans. PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2023. (Accessed 11 Apr. 2023).
Acanthosis Nigricans | DermNet NZ. Dermnetnz.org, 2004.
Acanthosis Nigricans. Nhs.uk, 24 Oct. 2017. (Accessed 12 Apr. 2023).
Current Treatment Options for Acanthosis Nigricans. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. Volume 11, Aug. 2018, pp. 407–413. (Accessed 18 Mar. 2021).
Lose Weight - Better Health. Nhs.uk, 17 Sept. 2020.
The Obesity Syndrome and Acanthosis Nigricans. Acanthosis Nigricans Is a Common Cosmetic Problem Providing Epidemiological Clues to the Obesity Syndrome, the Insulin-Resistance Syndrome, the Thrifty Metabolism, Dyslipidaemia, Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Type II.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 4, Dec. 2004.
Off-label topical cream or capsule for lightening skin pigmentation. Contains a retinoid.
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