There are multiple types of Acanthosis Nigricans. Examples include:

• Hereditary Benign Acanthosis Nigricans is a benign, hereditary skin condition not associated with an endocrine disorder.
• Benign Acanthosis Nigricans can be attributed to several other diseases or disorders, such as: various endocrine disorders in association with insulin resistance: insulin resistant diabetes mellitus, hyper androgenic states, acromegaly/gigantism, Cushing’s Disease, hypogonadal syndromes with insulin resistance, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism.
• Pseudoacanthosis Nigricans is associated with patients who suffer with obesity complications or have darker pigmented skin.
• Drug-Induced Acanthosis Nigricans is from high doses of nicotinic acid, stilbestrol in young males, glucocorticoid therapy, diethylstilbestrol/oral contraceptive, and growth hormone therapy.
• Malignant Acanthosis Nigricans is Paraneoplastic; usually adenocarcinoma of GI or GU tract; less commonly, lymphoma.

What does Acanthosis Nigricans look like?

Darkening of pigmentation, the skin may appear “dirty”. As the skin thickens, a velvety appearance is noticeable and skin lines are further accentuated.  Locations on the body are most commonly the axillae, neck, groin, knuckles, and umbilicus.

Acanthosis Nigricans can potentially improve if we treat the associated disorder. Pseudoacanthosis Nigricans can regress with weight loss.