Suppose dark patches appear on a growing adolescent’s skin folds, such as armpits, nape of the neck, or groin, without apparent dirt. In that case, it may indicate Acanthosis Nigricans, an obesity-related endocrine disorder. After checking your weight, you must consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Acanthosis Nigricans typically occurs in areas where skin folds. It’s characterized by pigmentation in these areas and wart-like skin lesions. Brown or gray pigmentation initially appears in the folded skin, gradually thickening and developing creases.
The skin may become bumpy and wart-like as the condition progresses, with age spots or skin tags potentially developing. While common skin pigmentation can result from pregnancy hormones, medication side effects, injuries, acne, or conditions like melasma, Acanthosis Nigricans is different.
Though its exact cause remains unclear, Acanthosis Nigricans is linked to insulin resistance, a complication of obesity. The appearance of this condition should be seen as a warning sign that obesity may be progressing toward serious health issues like diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome.
Acanthosis Nigricans and Its Link to Insulin Resistance
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, physical examination, patient and family history, and detailed tests. A glucose tolerance test may be performed, measuring glucose levels in blood and urine samples after consuming a specific amount of glucose.
Doctors may also conduct hormone tests on blood and urine, insulin receptor tests, and autoantibody tests to check for other endocrine disorders or autoimmune diseases. If necessary, a skin biopsy may be taken for microscopic examination.
Dr. Ahn Hye Jin, a dermatology professor at Kyung Hee University Medical Center, explains that the skin is a dynamic organ. Its cells respond rapidly to various bodily changes through complex interactions.
Dr. Ahn adds that just as inflammation in the body can cause skin rashes or itching, internal diseases can manifest as skin symptoms. Many cases are discovered when parents notice skin changes while bathing their children and seek dermatological help.
Medical experts warn that such symptoms in growing children shouldn’t be dismissed as mere cosmetic issues but should be seen as potential indicators of endocrine disorders. There’s also a possibility of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Insulin regulates blood sugar in our bodies. However, prolonged overweight status increases insulin resistance. This leads to difficulties in lowering blood sugar levels, potentially resulting in various adult-onset diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
The most effective treatment for Acanthosis Nigricans is weight loss. Blood tests often confirm obesity and related conditions in most patients. As patients lose weight and see improvements in metabolic syndrome or obesity-related complications, symptoms usually resolve naturally.
Dr. Kim Do Hyun from Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital advises that adolescent health habits can impact lifelong health. If you notice darkening in skin folds, consult a specialist to check for obesity or fatty liver disease.
Dr. Kim also cautions against the myth that childhood weight gain translates to height growth. He stresses the importance of actively addressing obesity through lifestyle changes, proper diet, and exercise, emphasizing that family support is crucial.