This image displays the velvety-like area of darkened pigment typical of acanthosis nigricans. This image displays a skin fold with a rough, "velvety" appearance typical of acanthosis nigricans. This image displays a neck with darker "velvety" skin typical of acanthosis nigricans in a child. This image displays how acanthosis nigricans can appear to merely be a dirty neck. This image displays a child with armpit acanthosis nigricans as well as juvenile diabetes. This image displays a subtle case of acanthosis nigricans.
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Acanthosis Nigricans:
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Acanthosis Nigricans: This image displays the velvety-like area of darkened pigment typical of acanthosis nigricans. Divider line
This image displays the velvety-like area of darkened pigment typical of acanthosis nigricans.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
The doctor will try to establish the cause of the acanthosis nigricans. If it is due to obesity, then the doctor can help you find ways for your child to lose weight. If obesity is not a factor, the doctor may order blood tests, X-rays, or other types of tests to find the cause.

Once the medical condition has been diagnosed and treatment has been started, the doctor may recommend a topical cream or lotion containing:
  • Prescription-strength alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid)
  • Prescription-strength urea
  • A retinoid such as tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene
For more severe, stubborn acanthosis nigricans, oral treatments may include:
  • Fish oils taken as diet supplements
  • Isotretinoin (a very strong medication with many potential side effects, often used in the treatment of severe, scarring acne)
Other procedures, not usually covered by insurance, include:
  • Dermabrasion (a mechanical process of controlled, surgical scraping of the skin)
  • Laser treatments (which make the skin thinner by destroying the uppermost layers)
Last Modified: 18 Oct 2007

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