Acanthosis black was first described in Germany in 1889. According to studies, it may have a certain relationship with malignant and benign tumors.
What is a disease
Black acanthosis - pigment-papillary dystrophy of the skin. It belongs to dangerous diseases, as it can be benign and malignant. The benign form occurs mainly in children and it is associated with disruption of the endocrine system, especially if diseases such as obesity and diabetes are additionally observed. Also, dystrophy can be with violations of the nervous system.
The malignant form occurs already in adulthood. This disease is dangerous because it is accompanied by malignant neoplasms of internal organs and is observed mainly in places of greatest skin friction.
Causes of occurrence
The causes of black acanthosis are not exactly defined, but scientists have established a certain relationship with predisposing factors. In particular, these factors include:
- heredity;
- malignantneoplasms;
- endocrine disruption;
- taking certain medications.
The disease can occur in a person at absolutely any age, and basically the reasons for its formation also vary significantly in different age groups. In addition, the consumption of fatty or starchy foods, as well as being overweight, can be provoking factors.
Main symptoms
Black acanthosis of the papillary layer of the skin is manifested mainly by such symptoms as:
- roughening and exfoliation of skin areas;
- increased pigmentation of the affected areas of the skin;
- appearance of papillomas and fibroids on the skin.
This disease mainly manifests itself in the natural folds of the skin. Very rarely, in a patient, changes in the skin cover become widespread and cover a significant area near the main lesion. At the same time, changes can also be observed on nearby organs.
The photo of black acanthosis clearly shows the peculiarity of the course of the disease. Initially, the patient develops a yellowish area, which over time becomes darker and more saturated. Gradually, fibromas and papillomas begin to form on the affected area. The mucous membranes are mostly not affected, but papillomas can also form on them. Sometimes a person may feel tingling and itching in the affected area.
In the presence of a malignanttumor, a person feels severe weakness, apathy, drowsiness, and also begins to lose weight.
Diagnostics
If black acanthosis occurs in humans, then the diagnosis in middle-aged and elderly patients is based on an external examination of emerging spots. All patients with this disease should undergo a comprehensive examination to check for malignancy.
Doctor orders lab tests. These abnormalities can be detected by testing for insulin resistance, as often there are no signs of diabetes, but the level of insulin in the blood will be very high. That is why, if a benign tumor is suspected, an endocrinologist should be consulted. In addition, a biopsy may be prescribed, followed by a study of the obtained tissues.
Treatment of disease
There are no specific methods for treating acanthosis nigricans. The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the underlying disease. Often, for the treatment of a benign neoplasm, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, and salicylic ointment are prescribed, which must be applied to damaged areas of the skin. In the presence of hormonal disorders, hormone therapy is prescribed.
Therapy with the use of liquid nitrogen applications is quite successful. At the time of therapy, it is best if the patient is inhospital. If black acanthosis of a malignant form proceeds, then the removal of the tumor is mainly performed. However, it is worth remembering that the disease can reappear with relapses and the presence of metastases.
Malignant acanthosis nigricans is quite common, and its treatment with Vetom brings a very good result, since this drug helps to reduce the effects of chemotherapy. In the presence of malignant neoplasms, this remedy is used to strengthen the immune system, as a restorative antitumor drug.
In the presence of warts on the skin, tissue coagulation is carried out under the influence of electric current. Special ointments or alcohol tinctures are applied to areas with increased skin pigmentation. It is imperative to strengthen the immune system, for which vitamin complexes are used, as well as echinacea and ginseng extracts. In addition, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic powders are used. Baths with the addition of potassium permanganate help well.
In severe cases of the disease, hormone therapy is prescribed. Patients throughout their lives need a constant intake of zinc supplements to help maintain a good human condition.
Prognosis of the course of the disease
Many patients with a benign form of the disease have an additional insulin resistance, which becomes the main cause of acanthosis. The severity of the course of the disease and the prognosis after treatment largely depend on the degree of insulin resistance. With an open formdiabetes prognosis is quite disappointing. With proper and timely treatment, you can achieve a quick recovery. The teenage form is characterized by the fact that the disease goes away on its own, as the child grows up.
When a malignant form of the disease occurs, the prognosis is rather unfavorable, since the main tumor has an aggressive character. The average life expectancy of such patients is 2 years, although there are cases when people lived for more than 10 years.
Prophylaxis
To reduce the likelihood of a disease, certain preventive measures must be observed. These preventive measures include maintaining a normal body weight. In addition, it is imperative to control the level of insulin and keep it normal.
Complications
Complications can be very different, depending on the characteristics of the course of black acanthosis. In children, the disease mostly proceeds in a benign form, so the occurrence of dangerous complications is not observed.
In adults, the disease is more acute, and serious complications are observed when the disease becomes chronic. Often there is the occurrence of seborrhea, fungal infections, as well as relapses and metastasis of malignant tumors.
Black acanthosis in dogs: features of the course and treatment
In animals, the disease is characterized by the appearance of many growths and papillomas in large skin folds. In this case, the color of the skin changes and cells grow.
Black acanthosis in dogs occurs for a variety of reasons, in particular such as:
- endocrine disorders;
- malignant neoplasms;
- obesity;
- heredity.
The main signs of the disease are characterized by the appearance of keratinized skin and strong pigmentation. These areas are mainly concentrated between the buttocks, in the hip and groin folds, armpits, near the navel, near the ears and on both sides of the neck.
The skin of the animal becomes brownish and becomes very dry, and after a while they begin to darken. Many folds and growths appear, and the relief is greatly enhanced. The primary form of the disease occurs in dachshunds of both sexes, mostly up to a year. Secondary is observed in dogs of all breeds, but most often in smooth-haired. This condition indicates the presence of problems with the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland.
Treatment of the primary form of the disease is ineffective today, as there are no targeted drugs. The condition of the animal can only be alleviated by taking hormonal drugs and various topical creams.
The intake of glucocorticoids, as well as vitamin E is indicated. In the presence of a secondary form of the disease, therapy is not required, since the signs mostly disappear on their own. Shown only the use of funds to eliminate inflammationleather.
