In people with darker skin tones, dark neck may appear leathery.
Treatment can include skin creams or laser therapy by a dermatologist.
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It is not a disease and is not contagious.
Common causes of acanthosis nigricans include:
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It’s also possible to address an underlying cause, such as vitamin deficiencies.
Colors range from golden brown to blue-grey depending on the drug involved.
In most cases, hyperpigmentation will fade when you stop taking the medication causing it.
In others, it may take years or cause permanent hyperpigmentation.
Sun Exposure
Hyperpigmentation disorders, with increasedmelaninproduction, often occur due tosun exposure.
The best treatment is prevention, so be sure to use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination to check the affected areas, including a skin exam.
Treatment
Treatment for dark neck varies, depending on the cause.
Sometimes, dark neck may remain, even after the cause has been treated.
The cause may be as simple as sun exposure.
Common causes include acanthosis nigricans, dermatitis neglecta, and drug-induced hyperpigmentation.
Treatments for dark neck vary depending on the cause.
See a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Harvard Health Publishing.Demystifying hyperpigmentation: Causes, types, and effective treatments.
United Kingdom National Health Service.Acanthosis nigricans.
Brown TM.Dermatitis Neglecta, the Cognitive Assessment, and Micronutrients.Psychosomatics.
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2022 Sep-Oct;67(5):595-596. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_1043_21
DermNet NZ.Drug-induced pigmentation.
Fajuyigbe D, Verschoore M.Sun Exposure and Black Skin.Curr Probl Dermatol.
2022 Nov 14;11:2022-9-2. doi:10.7573/dic.2022-9-2
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acanthosis nigricans.
