Many dangerous diseases should not be ignored

Acanthosis nigricans is commonly found in people with obesity. However, many other dangerous health problems can also lead to acanthosis nigricans on the body, which is difficult to treat completely.

May be related to tumors

According to Dr. Doan Thi Thuy Dung, a dermatologist at Gia An 115 Hospital, acanthosis nigricans is a disease characterized by hyperpigmentation. When infected, the skin on both sides of the body folds such as the armpits, groin, neck, back, etc. often thickens and is light brown or dark brown.

Doctor Thuy Dung said that black thorn has 5 disease forms as follows:

Hereditary acanthosis nigricans (type 1): When the body's hormones change, the disease is very likely to appear and will gradually disappear after puberty.

Acanthosis nigricans in other syndromes (type 2): In this case, skin lesions such as acanthosis nigricans are just an accompanying manifestation of syndromes such as: Insulin resistance, Cushing's syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Down syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome...

The black acanthosis nigricans are light brown or black, dark brown.

Acanthosis nigricans associated with obesity (type 3): Most common, can occur at any age, mostly in adults. Obesity is also often caused by insulin disorders.

Acanthosis nigricans (type 4): This type of disease is rare. Some drugs used to treat diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, infections, endocrine disorders, etc. can cause acanthosis nigricans.

Acanthosis nigricans associated with tumors (type 5): When the body has a tumor, the possibility of acanthosis nigricans, keratosis, and hyperpigmentation of the skin or mucous membranes increases, of which 25-50% have lesions appearing on the tongue and lips. 90% of cases are related to digestive tract cancers such as stomach, pancreas, intestines, etc.

Hidden many dangerous diseases

Regarding the danger level of acanthosis nigricans, Dr. Thuy Dung said: “Patients with acanthosis nigricans type 1 have few or no skin complications, a good prognosis and the ability to recover after treatment. However, with cases of acanthosis nigricans of the remaining types, patients face many dangers if not treated promptly.”

Acanthosis nigricans can cause hyperplasia (abnormal growth) of benign papillomas of the skin and mucous membranes. Molluscum contagiosum (also known as skin tags) also commonly appear around the hyperpigmented lesions.

In addition, people with acanthosis nigricans are also likely to have increased pigmentation in the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, larynx and areola. More seriously, acanthosis nigricans poses a risk of other diseases related to the kidneys, thyroid, esophagus, liver, rectum, trachea, etc.

Increase participation in regular physical activities, avoid the risk of obesity and prevent acanthosis nigricans

Treatment and prevention of black thorn

Acanthosis nigricans can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying cause. If a particular medication is suspected to have caused the condition, the patient may try stopping the medication to resolve the increased skin pigmentation.

In addition, treatment of the underlying syndrome associated with acanthosis nigricans can also partially resolve the condition, depending on the severity. In cases where acanthosis nigricans has been triggered by a tumor, surgical removal of the tumor will help improve the condition, and the affected skin areas will also be cleaned.

Dr. Thuy Dung added that if the affected skin area develops ulcers and becomes more uncomfortable or starts to smell bad, some of the following methods may be prescribed:

• Apply prescription creams to lighten or soften affected areas of skin.
• Use antibacterial soap with gentle pressure to avoid rubbing the affected skin area, which can make the condition worse.
• Apply antibiotic.
• Oral acne medication.
• Laser therapy to reduce skin thickness.

To limit the progression of acanthosis nigricans, patients need to follow a suitable exercise regimen, strictly adhere to a healthy diet, reduce calorie intake, and avoid obesity. In addition, early detection and treatment of diseases related to tumors, diabetes, and insulin are also very important in preventing or improving acanthosis nigricans.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gai-den-nhieu-the-benh-nguy-hiem-khong-nen-xem-thuong-18524110618015183.htm