Acanthosis nigricans is a condition where the skin becomes dark and velvety in body folds and creases. As a result, the skin in the armpits, groin and neck thickens. Furthermore, the area of skin may also begin to develop an odour or start to itch. The condition is most common in those who have type 2 diabetes or who are obese.
If a child has the condition, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes goes up.
In rare circumstances, acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of cancer.
People with this condition should see a GP if they start to notice changes in the skin, especially if these are sudden.
Type 2 diabetes can cause acanthosis nigricans, but it isn’t the only potential cause.
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Cancer is another skin condition occasionally appearing in tandem with lymphoma or a cancerous tumour in the colon, liver or stomach.
It can also be a sign of insulin resistance that causes type 2 diabetes.
Some drugs and treatments, such as high doses of niacin, birth control medicines, prednisone and corticosteroids can also cause this condition.
As can hormonal disorders such as ovarian cysts, individuals with problems with their adrenal glands or those with underactive thyroids.
On type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes in the UK, there are a number of symptoms that can be a sign of the condition.
A common symptom is the increasing need to urinate, especially during the night.
Alongside this, a type 2 diabetic, can also experience a constant need to rehydrate and feel fatigued.
Losing weight without trying to is another common symptom to look out for.
So too is persistent vaginal or penile itching.
Either this or experiencing repeated episodes of thrush.
If cuts or wounds are taking longer to heal or one is experiencing episodes of blurred vision, consider getting tested for type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common condition and so there’s little to worry about and plenty of treatments available once diagnosed.