Rx Note

Introduction Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by darkening (hyperpigmentation) and thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the skin, occurring mainly in the folds of the skin in the armpit, groin and back of the neck. The patches often appear gradually without any other symptoms. Sometimes the skin may be itchy. Aetiology Most, if not all, patients with acanthosis nigricans have one of the following categories of disorders. Obesity Endocrine and metabolic disorders, particularly disorders associated with insulin resistance Genetic syndromes with acanthosis nigricans Familial acanthosis nigricans Malignancy Drug reactions Examples: systemic glucocorticoids, injected insulin, oral contraceptives, niacin, protease inhibitors, palifermin, testosterone, aripiprazole. NOTE: Although acanthosis nigricans is usually harmless, the prognosis for patients with malignant acanthosis nigricans is often poor since malignancy is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Management Sin...