# What are the common locations for Acanthosis Nigricans? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/acanthosis-nigricans-common-locations Language: en Category: dermatology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.546Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.546Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/acanthosis-nigricans-common-locations Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by the appearance of dark, thickened patches of skin with a velvety texture. These patches commonly occur in body folds and creases. The most prominent areas where acanthosis nigricans appears include the neck, armpits, and groin area. ## Main Locations of Acanthosis Nigricans The most common areas for acanthosis nigricans to develop include: - **Armpits:** The underarm area is a common site for these dark, thickened skin patches [\[4\]](). - **Neck:** Dark patches often appear on the back or sides of the neck [\[4\]](). - **Groin:** Acanthosis nigricans can develop in the groin area, where skin folds rub against each other [\[4\]](). These patches can appear anywhere on the body and are typically dry with a velvety feel [\[4\]](). Some individuals may also notice small skin tags (skin growths) on these patches [\[4\]](). ## Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans in These Areas Acanthosis nigricans is often a sign of an underlying health condition and may be associated with obesity, prediabetes, or certain medications, though it can also appear in otherwise healthy individuals [\[5\]](). It can also be linked to conditions affecting hormone levels, such as type 2 diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or hypothyroidism [\[4\]](). In some cases, acanthosis nigricans may result from taking specific medications, such as steroids or hormonal treatments like birth control pills [\[4\]](). Rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of cancer, typically stomach cancer in those instances [\[4\]](). For more information on the link between acanthosis nigricans and insulin resistance, you can visit [Acanthosis Nigricans: Neck and Insulin Resistance (Arabic)](). ## When Should You See a Doctor? If you notice new dark patches on your skin or any other skin changes that concern you, it is important to consult a general practitioner [\[4\]](). Although acanthosis nigricans is often harmless, it is best to have any skin changes examined. In rare cases, it can be a sign of something more serious, such as cancer [\[4\]](). A doctor can typically diagnose acanthosis nigricans just by looking at the skin and may recommend certain tests to identify the underlying cause of the patches [\[4\]](). ## Management Options for Acanthosis Nigricans Treatment for acanthosis nigricans depends on addressing the underlying cause. Once the cause is treated, the patches should fade over time [\[4\]](). If the person is significantly overweight, the doctor may recommend weight loss [\[4\]](). Depending on the cause, the doctor may also recommend medications to balance hormones or insulin levels, or a change in any medications that may be causing the patches [\[4\]](). There is no specific treatment for the patches themselves, but a dermatologist may suggest treatments to improve their appearance, although identifying and treating the cause is usually the primary recommendation [\[4\]](). ## Medical references - [Acanthosis nigricans - NHS]() - [Abnormally dark or light skin]() - [Acanthosis nigricans: Who gets and causes]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/acanthosis-nigricans-common-locations#answer