Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
HEALTH TOPICS
Home > Health Topics > Topics beginning with A > Acanthosis Nigricans > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Healthy Choice News
Site Map Links
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Acanthosis Nigricans


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Acanthosis nigricans is a disease that causes dark, thick areas on the skin. The areas affected are spread out, and the skin is velvety. It is most common in the armpits and other body folds.

What is going on in the body?

There are four types of acanthosis nigricans.

  • Gougerot-Carteaud syndrome occurs in young females and is probably inherited.
  • Malignant acanthosis nigricans is sometimes seen in adults with cancer of the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems.
  • Miescher syndrome is an inherited disease that causes skin lesions for no apparent reason.
  • Pseudoacanthosis nigricans is caused by a hormone imbalance in the body that may cause excess insulin in the blood.
  • What are the causes and risks of the disease?

    There are many causes of acanthosis nigricans, including the following:

  • Addison disease, which is caused by a deficiency of hormones from the adrenal gland
  • diabetes
  • disorders of the pituitary gland within the brain
  • genetic causes
  • growth hormone therapy
  • hypothyroidism, which means low levels of thyroid hormone that are caused by decreased activity of the thyroid gland
  • insulin resistance caused by obesity
  • oral contraceptives
  • some medicines, such as nicotinic acid, which are used to treat high cholesterol

  • HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement