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Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin, usually present in the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axilla, groin, umbilicus, and other areas.
Causes
This occurs due to insulin spillover (from excessive production due to obesity or insulin insensitivity) into the skin which results in abnormal growth being observed.
The most common cause would be insulin resistance, usually from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Other causes are familial, obesity, drug-induced, malignant (gastric cancer) and idiopathic.
Treatment
People with acanthosis nigricans should be screened for diabetes.
External links
Dermatology | Medical signs | Medical conditions related to obesity
"Acanthosis nigricans"