This image displays a close-up of the neck showing the typical velvety skin thickening seen in acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans, most commonly, is noticed at the armpits and/or neck as a slightly thickened color change, which is sometimes described as appearing "velvety." The darkened color and skin thickening is sometimes subtle in mild and early cases of acanthosis nigricans, as seen here. In addition to the subtle darkening and thickening of the armpit skin caused by acanthosis nigricans, striae (stretch marks) can be seen. This image displays acanthosis nigricans, which affects the body folds, most frequently the neck and armpits. 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.
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Acanthosis Nigricans:
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Picture of Acanthosis Nigricans: This image displays a close-up of the neck showing the typical velvety skin thickening seen in acanthosis nigricans. Divider line
This image displays a close-up of the neck showing the typical velvety skin thickening seen in acanthosis nigricans.
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Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for acanthosis nigricans include:
  • Sides and back of the neck
  • Armpits
  • Groin
Less commonly, acanthosis nigricans can affect these areas:
  • Face
  • Inner thighs
  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Navel or belly button
Very rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be found in these locations:
  • Nipples and breasts
  • Eyelids
  • Lips
  • Inside the mouth
  • Anus
The lesions of acanthosis nigricans appear as "velvety" skin thickening, and they can range in color from gray to brown to black. Darker-skinned people tend to have darker lesions of acanthosis nigricans.
Last Modified: 9 Nov 2007

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