Acanthosis nigricans (தோல் மடிப்புகளில் வரும் நிறமி கோளாறு)

Acanthosis nigricans is a velvety, darkening of the skin that usually occurs in intertriginous areas (skin folds). This hyperpigmentation has poorly defined borders, usually occurs areas such as the back of the neck, axilla, and groin, accompanied by thickening of the skin.

Source: https://www.rosepharmacy.com/acanthosis-nigricans/

ETIOLOGY ( இக்குறிகுணம் வருவதற்கு காரணங்கள்)

• Genetic (familial acanthosis nigricans)

  
  

• obesity-associated

  
  

• Iatrogenic (medication-associated): ex. systemic glucocorticoids, diethylstilbestrol, combined oral contraceptive pill, growth hormone therapy, etc.

  
  

• Endocrine dysfunction-associated (நாளமில்லாச் சுரப்பி கோளாறுகள்)

  • uncontrolled diabetes, ovarian hyperandrogenism, Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),etc.

    
    

• Acral acanthotic anomaly: A variant of acanthosis nigricans limited to the elbows, knees, knuckles, and dorsal surfaces of the feet. It is common in individuals who have dark skin; this is normal.

  
  

• Malignant acanthosis nigricans syndrome: Is associated with gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas and genitourinary cancers such as prostate, breast, and ovary.

  
  

• Autoimmune acanthosis nigricans

Source: https://urbanskinhairclinic.com/acanthosis-nigricans/

COMMON MYTHS BUSTED!

MYTH #1: The skin is dark as it is dirty

TRUTH: This has nothing to do with dirt/lack of hygiene/cleanliness. This is purely a systemic problem (happens inside the body) due to poor diet & lifestyle habits.

MYTH #2: The more we exfoliate/ rub it using besan powder, the faster it will disappear

TRUTH: This should never be done on regular basis.

• Gentle chemical exfoliation (ex. using glycolic acid/salicylic acid serums or cleanser) can be used once a week.

• Showering after sweating excessively is a must for everyone.

• The harsher you rub it, the worser it will become as you will be damaging skin barrier through friction unnecessarily

MYTH #3: It spreads from one person to another.

TRUTH: This is not contagious. It is important spread awareness of this & stop discrimination against those who have this issue.

DO I HAVE THIS?

Acanthosis nigricans is clinically diagnosed by your physician. There are many types of hyperpigmentation, thus, it is important to leave the diagnosis in the hands of your health care provider who will evaluate and diagnose it accurately.

TREATMENT

In modern medicine,

Acanthosis nigricans associated with insulin resistance & is typically treated with drugs such as metformin and rosiglitazone, which are insulin-sensitizing agents, & dermatologists prescribe topical retinoids and other such topical prescriptions that aid skin brightening.

In siddha medicine,

This symptom is treated as a part of something much bigger as it is usually a complex metabolic syndrome with other associated symptoms. Medicines like Madhumega choornam, Avarai kudineer may be prescribed & topical applications like kumkumadi thailam maybe prescribed as well.

The journey to heal is a long one. Patience & compliance with your medications as well as advice given by your physician is important to see a difference.