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

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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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 the:
  • Face
  • Inner thighs
  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Belly button (navel)
Rarely, acanthosis nigricans can occur in the:
  • Nipples
  • Eyelids
  • Lips
  • Inside of the mouth
  • Anus
The lesions of acanthosis nigricans appear as "velvety" thickenings of the outer skin, and they can range in color from gray to brown to black. Darker-skinned people tend to have darker lesions.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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