What do you need to know about acanthosis nigricans?

Summary Summary. Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. This condition usually appears slowly and doesn’t cause any symptoms other than skin changes.

When does acanthosis nigricans occur in a dachshund?

Primary acanthosis nigricans is a genodermatosis that can occur in many breeds, but particularly Dachshunds. Clinical signs are usually present by 1 year of age in this breed. Secondary acanthosis nigricans is really postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and should be referred to as such, ie, the term “acanthosis nigricans” is not appropriate.

Who is most likely to have pseudoacanthosis nigricans?

A benign variant of AN has also been described in which the condition occurs as a reversible skin manifestation associated with obesity. Known as “pseudoacanthosis nigricans,” the condition is thought to be most frequent in African-American or Hispanic individuals.

Can a birth control pill cause acanthosis nigricans?

Certain medicines — for example, birth control pills or hormone treatments — also can cause acanthosis nigricans. Sometimes, it’s seen in people who have type 2 diabetes or who are at greater risk for getting this type of diabetes. In these cases, acanthosis nigricans itself isn’t dangerous.

What are the pathologic features of acanthosis?

Pathologic Features and Differential Diagnosis. Acanthosis and hyperkeratosis, usually orthokeratosis, are the hallmarks of frictional keratosis. The keratin may become ragged and delaminated by the patient’s habit, and it is not unusual to find bacterial colonies lodged in surface irregularities.

Can a lichen simplex chronicus have acanthosis?

Lichen simplex chronicus may show either regular or irregular acanthosis, and this always occurs with hypergranulosis and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis as well as vertical papillary dermal fibrosis. In acanthosis nigricans, there is frequently regular acanthosis.

Who are some famous people who have acanthosis?

Lindsay Montague, Jerry Elmer Bouquot, in Gnepp’s Diagnostic Surgical Pathology of the Head and Neck (Third Edition), 2021 Acanthosis and hyperkeratosis, usually orthokeratosis, are the hallmarks of frictional keratosis, perhaps with scattered chronic inflammatory cells within subepithelial stroma ( Fig. 4.63A and B ).