April 8, 2018

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is a hyper pigmentation of the skin that is brown to black in colour. It is usually found in the folds of the skin, such as the groin, neck, navel, forehead, and the armpits. It is velvety to the touch, and can be either benign or malignant. This fairly common skin disorder can also effect the lips, palms and soles of the feet. Those that are overweight, have darker skin tones and either have diabetes or are pre-diabetic are often at risk the most. The condition is slow to form and could take months or years to form. Please note that children that develop the disease have a much higher risk at developing type 2 diabetes.

Causes

Acanthosis Nigricans is caused when the epidermal skin cells rapidly reproduce, which is commonly triggered by insulin levels in the blood that are too high. However, Acanthosis Nigricans can also be caused by cancers and medications that one might be taking. High doses of niacin, low thyroid levels, adrenal gland disorders and disorders of the pituitary gland can also cause Acanthosis Nigricans.

While the doctor is examining the skin, it is very important for you to state what medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins, minerals, or supplements. The doctor will also check to see if you have ever had any issues with your thyroid, ovaries, and adrenal glands. He or she may even ask if you have ever had to take high doses of prednisone for more than a week at a time.  Have you ever had cancer will most likely be asked as well as how long the condition has been there and if it has gotten worse or not.

Risk factors for Acanthosis Nigricans include obesity.  The heavier a person is, the higher the chance they have for contracting Acanthosis Nigricans.   Many also say that genetics play a role in Acanthosis Nigricans.

Treatment

If you are overweight, your doctor may suggest that you lose some body weight.  Medication may also be prescribed if the condition is due to the thyroid, ovaries, or adrenal glands.   If Acanthosis Nigricans is triggered by a tumour that is cancerous, surgery could also be an option.

Many are concerned about how the area on the skin looks. Doctors can prescribe a cream to lighten the areas on the skin that are effected.   These can include salicylic acid, Retin-A, a 20 percent urea, and alpha hydroxy acids.   Antibacterial soaps and topical creams can be used to eliminate odor that is sometimes caused by this disorder. Oral acne medications are also used to help clear up Acanthosis Nigricans. Laser therapy may also be recommended to reduce the thickness of the skin.

Antiaging skin clinic has got some special treatments also which are effective upto 60-80%.

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Ichthyosis (ick-thee-OH-sis) is a skin disease that causes extremely dry, thick, and scaly skin resembles fish scales.

These are a heterogeneous group of disorders with both inherited and acquired forms. these are the types
Ichthyosis Vulgaris- Most common type of icthyosis Lamellar Ichthyosis- Lamellar ichthyosis is characterized by dark, plate (armor)-like scale. Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis- characterized by generalized redness and fine white scale Congenital Ichthyosiform Erythroderma- newborn infant with ichthyosis who presented at birth with collodion baby appearance. X-linked Ichthyosis- due to a defect in the enzyme steroid sulfatase, affects males with generalized scaling that usually begins soon after birth.

Ichthyosis Treatment

Several hours each day may need to be devoted the skin if ichthyosis is present in an individual. Daily, a person will need to take a shower or a bath. The skin should be exfoliated on a daily basis, and moisturised well. Moisturising ointments or creams may need to be prescribed by a dermatologist for the individual. Oral retinoids can be prescribed to reduce scaling. If a secondary infection occurs on the skin, oral antibiotics will need to be prescribed. Tips that will help keep the skin looking and feeling its best include applying a good quality lotion within 3 minutes of bathing. Apply to wet skin to keep moisture trapped into the skin. Products that contain lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and urea will help to keep skin not only moisturised but also exfoliated. Rubbing a wet pumice stone over crusty scales on the skin can help to remove them. Should there be scales on the scalp, brushing wet hair gently will aid in removing the scales.  

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