Why does skin darken in creases?

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin can become thickened.

Can being overweight cause skin discoloration?

A body that carries too much weight can lead to insulin resistance. When this happens, darkened, velvety patches called acanthosis nigricans can form, especially in areas where skin folds and overlaps like the knees, elbows, groin, armpits, and neck. Patches may appear grey, brown, or black.

Does acanthosis nigricans go away with weight loss?

Primary treatment of acanthosis nigricans aims to correct the underlying cause. Weight loss and reversing insulin resistance are the most effective ways to eliminate any skin changes. It is reversible and will disappear as the cause is treated.

Why is the skin in my groin dark?

Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a GP.

Can obesity cause dark neck?

Acanthosis nigricans can cause dark, thick skin on the neck. The skin may have a similar texture to velvet. This condition can appear suddenly, but it is not contagious nor does it present a danger to a person’s health. People who are obese and those with diabetes are at greater risk of the condition.

Why does obesity cause dark neck?

Excess insulin causes normal skin cells to reproduce at a rapid rate. For those with dark skin, these new cells have more melanin. This increase in melanin produces a patch of skin that’s darker than the skin surrounding it. Thus, the presence of acanthosis nigricans is a strong predictor of future diabetes.

Is acanthosis nigricans a fungus?

Acanthosis nigricans, commonly observed in obese, darkly pigmented individuals, characteristically presents as velvety hyperpigmentation of the intertriginous areas. Tinea versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia yeast species.

How does being overweight affect the skin?

Being overweight (obesity) may cause skin problems due to several factors. Changes in hormones may cause acanthosis nigricans, which are darkened, velvety areas of the neck and body folds, while stretching of the skin may result in stretch marks (striae).

What are the signs and symptoms of obesity in the skin?

Obese patients have larger skin folds and tend to sweat more profusely due to thick layers of subcutaneous fat. Obesity impede or slow lymphatic flow.

Why do obese people have so many skin tags?

So as a obese person, there’s more chance of having lots of skin tags. This is due to the extra layers of skin of skin that cause friction when they rub together. The common areas for an overweight person to form skin tags is underneath the armpits as the skin is generally more loose and can rub on the side of the chest easier.

Can obesity cause stretch marks on neck?

Skin Problems Related to Obesity Being overweight (obesity) may cause skin problems due to several factors. Changes in hormones may cause acanthosis nigricans, which are darkened, velvety areas of the neck and body folds, while stretching of the skin may result in stretch marks (striae).