Struggling with persistent skin darkening and thickening- a velvety skin of the neck? You may have tried to address it with regular neck skin exfoliation, the use of de-tan products, hormonal balancing therapies, and proper hygiene. Also, one would have avoided wearing anything that rubs against the neck skin to rule out the possibility of causing a dark neck. If you still have unclear, abnormal neck skin like that of the face or other body areas, it's time to consult a dermatologist about Acanthosis Nigricans.
But before you start, go through what we have to say about causes, symptoms, and acanthosis nigricans or dark neck treatment options in Bangalore. Knowing the causes and signs can help you make a timely, right selection of the treatment.
What is Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis Nigricans, a skin disorder, is the most common cause of dark neck in usually healthy individuals and sometimes ill people. The condition not only affects the skin folds of the neck but also of the armpits, groin, and under the breasts, as well as knees, elbows, and mucosal surfaces. It is not harmful or contagious, and anyone can experience it.
Common Causes of Dark Neck (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Dark neck (Acanthosis Nigricans) has multiple causes, including:
- Diabetes and Insulin Resistance- A rise in the level of insulin causes the skin to rapidly grow and appear dark.
- Family History- Acanthosis nigricans is a genetic skin condition. It can show up if a loved one has it.
- Congenital- One may be born with this dark neck condition.
- Certain medications- Birth control pills or steroid intake can, over time, cause neck skin darkening as a side effect.
- Hormonal issues- Thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, PCOS, or other pituitary disorders often cause skin darkening due to androgen excess.
- Growth hormone therapy- It can cause dark neck by increasing the levels of ins-ulin-like growth factor and activating the growth factor receptors on keratinocytes and fibroblasts to trigger cell proliferation. The skin darkening is linked to hyperinsu-linemia caused by the therapy.
Most often, this problem develops in overweight or obese people, pre-diabetics or diabetics, dark-skinned individuals, and those who are of African, Native American, Caribbean, or Hispanic descent.
What are the Characteristic Signs of Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans manifest as brown, black skin that appears dirty and feels velvety. Itching, soft skin tags, and foul smell accompany it.
The symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans tend to gradually develop over months or years. If the signs show up all of a sudden, which is rare, it could be a sign of skin cancer.
How is Acanthosis Nigricans Diagnosed?
During a consultation with a dermatologist for dark neck, the expert discusses the symptoms and medical records and conducts a thorough skin exam. To confirm Acanthosis nigricans and rule out other causes of dark neck, a dermatologist may order blood tests to check for in-sulin resistance and, rarely, a skin biopsy.
Can Acanthosis Nigricans Self-Resolve?
No. Acanthosis Nigricans won't go away without a targeted treatment. But it is not medically necessary to be treated if it develops in otherwise healthy people. One can decide to proceed with treatment for their dark neck for aesthetic reasons to regain their confidence.
Can Acanthosis Nigricans be Cured?
Treatments can help manage the symptoms of Acanthosis nigricans and may make the skin visibly clearer. But the dark neck may not be completely resolved.
How to Treat Dark Neck (Acanthosis Nigricans): Top Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments
Dark neck is treated based on its cause. If it's due to an underlying condition like a hormonal issue or diabetes, addressing the condition will help fade neck skin darkening. If it's due to a medication, discontinuing it or substituting it may help. Often, switching to a healthy routine, following a weight-loss program, or taking steps to balance hormones can help reduce the appearance of dark neck if it's insu-lin-related.
However, to improve the appearance of the neck skin, a dermatologist recommends either of the following, depending on the extent of darkening/severity of Acanthosis Nigricans. Topical treatments are the first-line treatments; if they fail or work slowly, cosmetic procedures are recommended.
- Topical therapies- Prescription-strength ret-inoid creams or gels can work to increase skin cell turnover and reduce the thickening and hyperpigmentation of the neck skin.
Creams or ointments containing keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate can soften and peel the thickened, top layers of the skin.
Products with depigmenting ingredients like hydroquinone and kojic acid may also help lighten neck darkening.
Antibacterial soaps or topical antibiotics may be used to eliminate bacteria in affected areas and reduce associated discomfort and odor. - Chemical peeling- Various strengths of chemical exfoliants- alpha and beta hydroxy acids and phenol are available. A dermatologist makes use of an acid that works up to the depth of pigmentation to help peel off the pigmented skin and promote its renewal.
- Laser therapy- Carbon laser peel, ablative or non-ablative laser resurfacing, and laser toning- any of these may be recommended to fade out the neck skin darkening and reduce its thickness. These treatments work by inducing thermal destruction of excess melanin, boosting collagen production, and increasing skin cell turnover. They often result in long-term remission.
- Microdermabrasion- It is the gentle resurfacing of the skin with the use of abrasive crystals or a diamond-tipped handpiece. With the help of a special device, the superficial pigmented layers are removed and replaced by a healthier, clearer, smoother, and evenly toned complexion.
- Microneedling with skin brightening serums- With a Dermapen 4 tool, multiple microinjuries can be created in the dark neck skin. These microinjuries form at specific depths and can serve as microchannels, helping topicals like skin-brightening serums better absorb into the neck and work most efficiently. The skin improvements are impressive, as the injuries gradually heal with new collagen and old, damaged skin cells are eliminated.
Is Acanthosis Nigricans Preventable?
Only when the cause is an underlying condition, poor lifestyle, or use of medication.
Talk to a Skin Doctor, Know the Cause of Dark Neck, and Get it Appropriately Addressed with Dermatological Procedures.
As soon as you spot velvety, dark markings on your neck, see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Dr. Rasya Dixit is a leading dermatologist in Bangalore who can help you with dark neck (Acanthosis Nigricans) by offering customised treatment and comprehensive skincare, and guidance, all at budget-friendly prices. Schedule a consultation at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic for details.
