- Can I have diabetes?
- Know your risk of developing diabetes
- How to treat Acanthosis Nigricans
- Home treatment options
- 1. Put lemon on the skin
- 2. Exfoliation with baking soda
- 3. Cucumber
- What causes Acanthosis Nigricans
The dark spots that appear in the regions where there are small folds in the skin, such as armpits, back and belly are an alteration called Acanthosis Nigricans.
This change is related to hormonal problems and is a good indicator of insulin resistance, which means that the person can develop type 2 diabetes. In this case, if the person performs the capillary blood glucose test, its result may be altered and indicate the pre diabetes, which occurs when blood sugar levels reach 124mg / dL, which does not yet indicate diabetes.
Can I have diabetes?
If you think you may have diabetes, get tested and check your risk:
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Know your risk of developing diabetes
Start the test
- Male Female
- Less than 40 years old Between 40 and 50 years old Between 50 and 60 years oldMore than 60 years old
- Larger than 102 cmBetween 94 and 102 cmLower than 94 cm
- Yes No
- Two times a weekLess than twice a week
- NoYes, 1st degree relatives: parents and / or siblingsYes, 2nd degree relatives: grandparents and / or uncles
How to treat Acanthosis Nigricans
The treatment for Acanthosis Nigricans depends on its cause and as this type of spots is caused by hormonal changes, its treatment must be guided by the endocrinologist.
So, in case the spots appear due to:
- Diabetes: blood sugar levels must be regulated to speed up the disappearance of spots; Polycystic ovary: treatment with contraceptives should be made to regulate hormones and attenuate dark spots on the skin; Metabolic syndrome: it is recommended to lose weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise to alleviate blemishes.
With proper treatment, dark spots on the skin tend to disappear and the skin returns to a uniform color.
Home treatment options
Although it is necessary to do the treatment recommended by the endocrinologist, to eliminate the dark spots on the neck caused by acanthosis nigricans, there are also some home remedies that can help speed up the results:
1. Put lemon on the skin
Due to citric acid, the lemon has excellent whitening properties that allow to lighten dark skin, even in cases of acanthosis nigricans.
- How to do it: Cut a lemon and squeeze its juice, then, with a cotton ball, apply on the stains and let it act for 10 to 20 minutes. Finally wash your skin and avoid exposing yourself to the sun for at least 12 hours.
2. Exfoliation with baking soda
Baking soda is one of the most powerful natural exfoliants, being able to lighten and even eliminate various types of dark spots on the skin.
- How to do it: mix 2 spoons of baking soda with 1 spoon of water until you get a paste. Then apply to the neck or affected area and leave for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water and repeat this process every day.
3. Cucumber
The cucumber has a calming and slightly exfoliating effect that allows to naturally lighten and lighten the skin.
- How to do it: start cutting the cucumber into thin slices and leave on the dark spots, allowing to act for 15 minutes. Finally, wash the area and apply rose water on the neck, allowing it to dry completely.
What causes Acanthosis Nigricans
Other possible causes of Acanthosis Nigricans are hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, acromegaly, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome, Cushing's Syndrome or use of oral contraceptives.
This type of dark mark on the skin, which looks like dirt, is more common in people of African descent but can appear on anyone. There are cases where the spots do not disappear, even if the cause is properly treated. In these cases, the dermatologist may prescribe the daily use of some creams, such as tretinoin, ammonium lactate or hydroquinone, for example. In any case, it is always recommended to apply sunscreen, to prevent the sun from darkening the spots.
Check out other causes that can cause the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
