1. ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS (DARKENED SKIN) By: Aki Cheri Agner

2. Acanthosis nigricans  Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disease where hyperpigmentation causes the skin to turn brown- black, and feel velvety.  Skin often stays soft.  Occurs mostly in the skin-fold and body crease regions ( neck, armpit, groin, etc.)  Can be associated with cancerous tumors.

3. Causes  Obesity  Endocrine disorders  Human growth hormones  Oral contraceptives (birth control)  High insulin levels  Hereditary  People with gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract cancers, or lymphoma can get acanthosis nigricans.

4. Signs and Symptoms  Acanthosis nigricans doesn’t have any symptoms besides skin changes.  Causes velvety, dark skin, and has very visible creases and marks.  Abnormally increasing discoloring.  Hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin)

5. Treatments, Cures, and Prevention  Treatments are Retin-A, 20% urea, alpha hydroxyacids, and salicylic/lactic acid prescription.  If the cause is obesity, the treatment is to lose excess weight.  Dermabrasion, or laser therapy  Fish oil suppliments

6. Works Cited  "Acanthosis Nigricans." Welcome to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2012..  "Acanthosis nigricans - PubMed Health." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2012..  "Acanthosis nigricans: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012..  "Birth Control Pill - Oral Contraceptive." Feminist Women's Health Center in Washington State provides abortion, birth control, reproductive health care at Cedar River Clinics. Website addresses birth control, abortion, feminism, pro-choice, menopause, contraception, breast health, menstruation, f. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012..  "Acanthosis Nigricans Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Skin, Hair and Nails." Health Information, Resources, Tools & News Online - EverydayHealth.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012..