2 days ago
Can diabetes cause dark patches on the neck?
Diabetes can cause dark patches of skin to appear on the neck. This is due to a condition known as acanthosis nigricans. It often occurs as a result of insulin resistance causing skin cells to reproduce too is a condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the skin. Some people living with diabetes may experience a condition called acanthosis nigricans. This is a skin condition that can cause dark patches of skin to appear in skin folds, such as on the back of the neck. Typically, in people living with diabetes, the condition occurs when the body is unable to properly use the hormone insulin. This can affect the skin and cause it to reproduce skin cells too quickly, resulting in dark patches of skin. Usually, symptoms resolve with better management of can cause dark skin on the neck with diabetes?Skin changes are one of the more common signs of diabetes, with some evidence indicating that around 30% of people with diabetes experience a skin problem at some stage. Health experts may refer to diabetes as a systemic condition as it can affect multiple organs and systems throughout the body. As diabetes can impact nerves and blood vessels, which are present in the skin, this can manifest as changes to the skin. Usually, skin changes in a person living with diabetes indicate that they are experiencing long periods where their blood sugars are not within a suitable a person living with diabetes notices dark patches of skin on their neck, this will likely be due to acanthosis is acanthosis nigricans?Acanthosis nigricans describes a skin condition that can cause skin to become thick and have a dark velvety appearance. These dark patches of skin usually appear in body folds and creases, such as the neck, armpit, under the breast, or groin. Some evidence suggests that the neck is the most common site of acanthosis nigricans when it occurs in condition typically occurs to endocrine or metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. How does diabetes cause acanthosis nigricans?Acanthosis nigricans can occur for different reasons, but it most commonly relates to diabetes and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance refers to when the cells in the body no longer respond properly to the hormone insulin. This hormone enables glucose in the blood to enter cells, providing them with the energy to function. When insulin resistance occurs, this can cause high levels of insulin to circulate in the blood. At high concentrations, insulin can activate receptors present in skin cells known as insulin-like growth factor receptors. When insulin stimulates these receptors, it can cause skin cells to proliferate, which means they rapidly grow. This rapid growth can result in thick and discolored skin. While acanthosis nigricans is more common with type 2 diabetes, it can also occur with type 1 symptoms of acanthosis nigricansAs well as a black or brown discoloration of the skin on the neck, other skin changes of acanthosis nigricans may include:feeling velvety and thicker than the surrounding skinskin tagsitchinghaving a bad odorOther areas of skin that may have dark patches include:armpitsgroingenitalselbowskneesknucklesbelly buttonunderneath breastsfaceTreatment of acanthosis nigricansA doctor can diagnose acanthosis nigricans during a physical exam. In a person living with diabetes, they will typically advise better management of diabetes to help reduce symptoms of acanthosis nigricans. Usually, this will involve better control of blood glucose levels through weight management. This may involve dietary changes and more physical activity. In other cases, a person may need to adjust the amount or type of antidiabetic drugs they are using. Topical treatments are also available that may help to improve the appearance of the to contact a doctorIf a person notices dark patches on their skin, particularly in skin folds such as the neck, it is advisable to consult a doctor, such as a dermatologist. If a person has a diagnosis of diabetes, the appearance of acanthosis nigricans may suggest they need to adjust their management strategies. If a person does not have diabetes, acanthosis nigricans may be a sign of prediabetes, a reaction to medication, or a hormonal condition. In some cases, if acanthosis nigricans appears suddenly, it may be a sign of living with diabetes may notice patches of skin discoloration in the folds of their skin, such as on the back of the neck. This is known as acanthosis nigricans. It typically occurs due to insulin resistance and high levels of circulating insulin causing skin to reproduce too quickly. Treatment typically involves better management of diabetes, such as dietary changes and more physical activity.
