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Acanthosis Nigricans

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Acanthosis Nigricans

Content

Abstract


The 'Clinical Snapshot' series provides a concise examination of a clinical presentation including history, treatment, patient education, and nursing measures. Using the format here, you are invited to submit your "Clinical Snapshot' to Dermatology Nursing.

Description


Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a cutaneous skin disorder typically characterized by hyperpigmented, velvety, hypertrophic plaques (see Figure 1).



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Figure 1.



Acanthosis nigricans is typically characterized by hyperpigmented, velvety, hypertrophic plaques.




Etiology


Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people or can be associated with internal malignancy, endocrine abnormalities, or obesity. Some cases have a familial tendency. Acanthosis nigricans has also been reported to be associated with excessive doses of niacin, corticosteroids, and diethylstilbestrol.

Location


Acanthosis nigricans may affect any area of the body, but is most commonly found in the axillae, nape and sides of the neck, and in the groin (see Figures 2 & 3).



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Figure 2.



The axillae are common areas of presentation.







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Figure 3.



The axillae are common areas of presentation.




Hallmark of the Disease


Acanthosis nigricans presents as a hypertrophic darkening of the skin most commonly in the locations noted previously. Lesions may be pruritic, but are usually asymptomatic.

Treatment


Treatment of AN depends primarily upon careful exclusion of endocrine disease or internal malignancy as a cause of the disease. If no underlying medical illness is found, retinoic acid (tretinoin, Retin-A) may be used on the lesions.

Normal Course


Acanthosis nigricans may progress slowly, becoming darker and larger with time, or may not progress at all.

Patient Education


Informing the patient about the condition, treatment options, and its corresponding associations is important in the management. The patient should be educated about the benign and cosmetic nature of this disorder and assured that he/she has been checked for underlying malignancies and endo crine abnormalities.

Nursing Measures


A thorough clinical history and physical exam should be taken along with proper instructions of any medication prescribed.

Source...
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