Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a localized skin disorder manifesting with hyperpigmented, velvety plaques typically located in flexural and intertriginous regions. The precise pathogenesis is unknown but is speculated to involve the stimulation of insulin-like growth factor receptors and tyrosine kinase receptors on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In the United States, Americans of African descent are 25 times more likely to have acanthosis nigricans than Americans of European descent. The condition is reported to be most common in Native Americans.
II. Malignancy-associated / cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome – Most commonly associated with gastric carcinoma, but numerous other malignancies have been reported. Elderly nonobese patients with new AN should have malignancy considered as a cause. Atypical (palmar, perioral, or mucosal) distributions or acute-onset AN may be more associated with malignancy.
III. Drug-induced – Niacin (nicotinic acid) is the most closely associated medication, but AN can also be caused by oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, diethylstilbestrol, heroin, fusidic acid, methyltestosterone, protease inhibitors, and folate.
IV. Syndromic – Type A refers to patients with HAIR-AN (hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and acanthosis nigricans) syndrome and acromegaly. Type B is typically seen in women who have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren syndrome, and Hashimoto thyroiditis). This type is associated with the formation of antibodies against insulin receptors.
V. Acral – Affects elbows, knees, and knuckles. Typically seen in healthy sub-Saharan Africans.
VI. Unilateral – Also called nevoid. Usually represents an epidermal nevus in childhood.
VII. Benign – Rare autosomal dominant type developing at birth or during childhood.
VIII. Mixed – Any 2 or more of the above types combined.
Other related endocrinopathies include pituitary hypogonadism, thyroid disease, Addison disease, and acromegaly.
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition characterized by abnormal thickening and darkening of the skin, especially in body creases. It is most commonly associated with obesity or polycystic ovarian disease in women, though acanthosis nigricans can occasionally be found in people who have more serious underlying health problems or who are taking certain medications. Treatment of the underlying medical condition usually resolves the skin lesions.
Who’s At Risk
Acanthosis nigricans can affect individuals of any age, including children and those of any ethnic background. However, it is more common in adults and in people with darker skin. Males and females are affected equally.
Groups of people who commonly develop acanthosis nigricans:
Overweight or obese persons
People with endocrine (glandular) abnormalities
Persons taking certain medications (for example, oral contraceptives, niacinamide, corticosteroids)
Kidney transplant patients
People with internal malignancy, especially stomach cancer (very rare cause of acanthosis nigricans)
Signs & Symptoms
The most common locations for acanthosis nigricans include:
Sides and back of the neck
Armpits
Groin
Less commonly, acanthosis nigricans can affect these areas:
Face
Inner thighs
Elbows
Knees
Navel or belly button
Very rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be found in these locations:
Nipples and breasts
Eyelids
Lips
Inside the mouth
Anus
The lesions of acanthosis nigricans appear as "velvety" thickenings, and they can range in color from gray to brown to black. Darker-skinned individuals tend to have darker lesions.
Self-Care Guidelines
Because most people who develop acanthosis nigricans are overweight, their skin lesions can improve dramatically and even resolve with weight loss. Other underlying medical conditions should be treated as well.
Other treatments that might help include:
Weight loss by changing dietary and exercise habits.
Over-the-counter preparations containing alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid.
Over-the-counter cortisone cream (if the areas are itchy).
When to Seek Medical Care
If you notice thickening and darkening of the skin folds, it is probably a good idea to see your primary care provider. If the acanthosis nigricans is due to obesity, then you can have medical assistance developing healthy strategies to attain your weight goals.
The sudden development of widespread acanthosis nigricans (involving the skin folds as well as the palms of the hands, the lips, and other, less typical areas) should prompt immediate medical attention. The doctor may be able to diagnose and treat a more serious underlying medical condition that is causing the acanthosis nigricans.
Treatments
The doctor will certainly try to establish the underlying cause of the acanthosis nigricans. If it is due to obesity, then assistance with weight loss may be in order. If obesity is not a factor, the physician may try to determine an underlying cause by ordering blood work, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests.
Once the underlying medical condition has been established and is being treated, your physician may recommend a topical cream or lotion containing the following:
Patient Information for Acanthosis nigricans in Adult