WhatIs Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans causes areas of skin with three characteristic features:
– A darker color than the surrounding skin.
– A thicker texture.
– A soft, velvety feel.
The underarms are a common location. These patches can also appear around the neck, groin, beneath the breasts, and sometimes on the knuckles, elbows, or knees.
Because the changes occur within the skin, they do not wash away like surface dirt. However, persistent discoloration alone does not confirm acanthosis nigricans; a healthcare professional can help identify the cause.
