by keg265 on September 8th, 2004

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I have dark areas of skin on my neck, near my arm pits, and between my legs (looks like dirt). How can I get rid of these areas and prevent them from coming back?

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Answers. 49 helpful answers below.

by Mrs Dantz on December 21st, 2004
My son has a dark ring on the back of his neck, and it looks like "dirt" as well. Our doctor told us that it is a sign of diabetes. I would suggest you be tested, just in case, before you spend any money on creams or ointments, that may not be what you really need. Good luck and I hope all is well with you!
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- My son went to a specialist for diabetes and thyroid because he was over weight and she told me a sign of diabetes is a dark ring around his neck and darkness under flaps of skin. So my suggestion is if you have the resources see a specialist/Dr and if it comes back negative for diabetes then go get those creams.
  
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  by Anonymous on June 26th, 2009
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by Anonymous on August 14th, 2007
In dark or olive skinned people the discoloration is more apparent. There are retinoids like Retin-A combined with lotions that may help. Consult a doctor since Retin-A is prescribed. It is natural for your skin to darken, but in people of color, the melanocytes are larger and get irrated easily by rubbing, or bumping and a rough dark skin forms usually at the joints. There are lotions that use light hyrdro acids that will peel away the dead skin and lighten these darker area sometimes completely. Kneeling, resting on your elbows, or rubbing can again irritate the melanocytes and cause a redarkening. The darkening can be hereditary but in many cases is caused by irritating these areas. Scrubbing them may make the area darker since its irritation in many cases that cause it.
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by Anelynn on September 7th, 2010
I have the same problem on my neck, between my breasts, and between my legs. I've had it since I was 12 or 13. I went to the doctor once and he told me to scrub it harder. It was really embarrassing. When I was younger I would scrub my neck until it bleed but it never helped. I even took bleach to it once (NEVER try it). My Dad and I use to get in huge fights over it because he thought I just wasn't bathing well. I think it embarrassed HIM. I'm 28 years old and I have never been on a date or been kissed because I always thought I was a freak. But now, at least, I know I'm not alone. Thank you to everyone who posted about their own problem
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- The same thing happens to me ive had a black neck since I was 9 that's when the darkness started to appear I'm 16 now nd I stll have it. my dad started to scrub it but it never came out I even scrubbed it until it bleed just like you but it just burned . Sometimes when I shower it looks lighter but the next day it goes back to black.. I went to the doctor to do a check up nd they told me everything was regular including my blood nd cholesterol so I didn't get why I have a black neck. They told me to loose weight but that still doesn't explain why is dark if there's other people fatter nd they don't have a dark neck. I started to wear t-shirts instead of tops cuz I was embarrassed of showing my neck I still do I never put my hair up cuz I know it looks nasty. My mom nd I get in arguments too cuz she wants me to wear tops but she knows I don't want to cuz of my neck but she doesn't understand me nd doesn't know how I feel. I really wish I knew how to get rid of it cuz I don't want it for the rest of my life
  
  If u guys have any tips that worked on you pls pls tell me
  
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  by Anonymous32 on December 9th, 2011
- Try Exfoliating Your Skin (Try St.Ives Apricot Scrub)= )
  
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  by Deney_M on March 19th, 2012
- me too the same problem ,is there any solution for this problem,i had tried some creams but didn't work out .
  
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  by titusjoseph.v on April 29th, 2012
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by Stranger in a Strange Land on November 13th, 2009
Beware of chemical bleaches, many can be harmful. +2
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by Titan-angel on May 1st, 2009
Hi, i am facing the same problem as (Answer 4 out of 18). for years, im having darkening of skin on neck, below lips, arm-pit, between thighs, massive hair loss, facial hair growth,irregular menstruation (painful & blood clot), tremendous weight gain, stomach blotting, swellings and etc. I have seen many dr, but in vain. They dont even bother to do a proper check-up, no blood test, nothing. this is depressing me very much. I have tried various type of creams, diets, none helped. Recently a dr told me this might be a insulin-deficiency, which leads to many other problem. i am now diagnosed as pre-diabetic & hormonal-imbalance as well. If any of you knw any particular medication or methods to overcome this problem, kindly advice. I will be visiting a dr again. thanks
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- Hi, try visiting a naturalist. Like for example an iridologist( i think thats how it spelled). They take a picture of your eyes with a special machine, and they tell you what you have according to the lines in the iris. I've been to one myself, but did not follow the diet that i was suppose to do together with the natural medicine I bought from them, in which that's all I paid for. About $130.00. My sister did it and it helped her cure her stomach bloating, and joint pain, plus helped loose some weight . Recently she's went back again and found that she had thickening of her veins, and a scist in her female organ. She's following natural medication together with diet. I did a cleansing by juicing, andeating 85% raw vegetables with protein (chicken, fish, or game meat, stayed away from red meat
  completely ( its hard to digest( stays in colon for a longer time creating toxins) stayed away from sugar, salt, caffeine, breads, pastries, junk food, white rice. Eat fresh,no can/preser
  
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  by ivette on August 3rd, 2009
- have your thyroid checked. Some of those symptons are signs of hypothyroidism.
  
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  by kirk0721 on March 30th, 2010
- Titan-angel - Those are all symptoms of a metabolic condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is related to insulin resistance. The dark spots are called acanthosis nigrans. There's not a good way to get rid of them, but two dermatologists have told me that losing weight sometimes works. (Losing weight also helps the insulin resistance!) But see your doctor about the PCOS.
  
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  by dottieb1 on June 1st, 2010
- You should be checked for PCOS. I have all of those symptoms you described and i was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. It is nothing to "worry" about. You will not die, but you do need to be put on a medicine regimen to help regulate the amount of insulin in your body and your testosterone levels. PCOS, or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, is characterized by irregular menstruation, weight gain, and excessive facial and body hair growth. What happens is your pancreas produces insulin, but your body does not recognize that you are producing the insulin, so it will produce more insulin. An over-production of insulin will cause skin discoloration and these embarrassing and annoying dark patches. As for your irregular periods, when you have PCOS your body will produce way more testosterone than a normal woman and this causes the gaps in your periods and the facial and body hair growth. This must be corrected because too much testosterone is not good for you. Doctors don't automatically check for PCOS, because it is not that common, but 1 out 4 girls will be diagnosed with this disorder. The only way i knew i had this disorder was because, coincidentally, my cousin had been dealing with it for years and i had never known. She recognized the facial hair and the symptoms that i was having and made me make an appointment with my gynecologist. This disorder is not hereditary, as neither of our mothers had it and we are the first in our family to ever have it. This disorder is not contagious or debilitation. It is quite manageable, but you must stay aggressive with your treatment or it will get out of hand. As far as your dark patches, i have those as well. Have certain parts of your body taken on a different tone than the rest of your skin? Even if it hasn't you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist and ask to be tested for PCOS. You will be asked to give a little blood and they will test your insulin levels and your testosterone levels. If they are abnormal, you will most likely have to take Metformin (for your insulin levels) and Spironolactone (to regulate your testosterone and help your periods). Though this is not extremely life-threatening, it should not be left untreated, because it can cause you to have ovarian cysts and a lot of other unpleasant complications. You will be okay, and you will be able to live normally. It will not affect your quality of life in a negative way as long as you stay on the meds. Good luck!
  
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  by talexzander333 on December 19th, 2010
- OMG I have the same problem.. i mean i got the hair in my face watch i hate very very much.. and i got the black neck huh i hate it.. it makes me seem like if im dirty and if as i dont tKE SHOWERS.. =( and watch i do on a daly base.. but that blackness wont go away.. and i gained so much weighttoo and my period is just a mess.. my period cvomes down once every 2 or months.. what does this mean.. i been trying to have a baby and i cant... these side affects that im having now can that be preventing me from having a baby..
  
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  by jennicvb on January 7th, 2011
- I have PCOS and all the other symptoms that has been listed above. Yes it can affect you from having children. But if you do as the doctor tells you. You can get pregnant. But it is very hard. I have been dealing with PCOS and endometriosis for several years now. I was just told that I am borderline diabetic and that my liver and cholesterol enzymes are elevated. I am not sure what advise I can give due to the fact no one has really given me any advise. But good luck.
  
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  by Jessica_M5158 on October 26th, 2011
- You need to ask you gynocologist about polycystic ovarion syndrome...
  
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  by Angelia_C on March 28th, 2012
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by understanding868 on May 12th, 2008
Ask your doctor about a condition called PCOS. It is known to cause symptoms like yours and is related to insulin problems in your body. I strugle with similar skin issues and so far my research has pointed to it.
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by Anonymous on February 26th, 2008
This is ABSOLUTELY a sign of diabetes. You may not have it yet but you will if you don't lose weight and I am assuming that you are overweight. It is due to an overproduction of insulin and the insulin gathers in those areas which causes the skin to darken. There is a name for the condition but I do not recall what. Using bleaching cream WILL NOT HELP. Bleaching cream will clear up the dark spots temporarily. If you stop using the cream the darkness will come back because you have not solved the internal problem that is causing the darkness. Also the cream can make it worse if you do not shield the sun from the areas that you are putting the bleaching cream on. If you read the cream it will tell you that the area can get darker from sunlight. The only remedy is to get healthy and/or lose weight. Good Luck.
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- YEPP. Thats what my doctors told me.
  
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  by andrewlee85 on September 8th, 2010
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by Joyceisas on July 27th, 2007
It is not a sign of diabetes!! Thats stupid! You can use somthing called faid cream by palmers they sale at cvs. Or a mexican bleching cream called Concha Nacar. That is sold at any mexican market and its cheap. The bleaching cream has been around since the 1920s and i belive is made in england. Mexican and idian girls have this problem! If you can belive this. I live in Cali and all my friends get their area down their bleached. Its a place called pinks.... Its for dark inner thighs, vagina and the crack of the bottom.... so hollywood I know =)... Any ways you can do all of this yourself and for cheap!... I have started using the creams and bleach and my neck is almost clear... The thigh bleaching I havent started yet...
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- hi i want to buy the cream. because i also have discolouration on the same places but i also have acne on my back and back of my legs also. can you tell me where and how i can buy it. ill be grateful, thank you
  
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  by Anonymous on December 1st, 2007
- It is a sign of diabetes. I would suggest you look into something before you make a bold comment like that. My DOCTOR and SEVERAL OTHER DOCTORS have confirmed and told me that it is a sign of diabetes.
  
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  by andrewlee85 on September 8th, 2010
- It is a sign of diabetes or pre-diabetes. I am insulin resistant because I have PCOS which causes hormones to become unbalance. One or those hormones being insulin. I used to be very overweight, and the dark patches didn't improve/go away until I lost all the weight. By eating right and losing the weight it regulated my sugar levels and got rid of the darkness. And I'm a very fair skinned person so I'm glad I realized what it was.
  
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  by chinacake on October 30th, 2010
- I do agree that fade creams help. I have used them too. But you still have to get to the source of the problem to get some real results. I wouldn't recommend bleaching cream on the vagina or anus unless it's professionally done.
  
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  by chinacake on October 30th, 2010
- It could be a sign of diabetes or not. I do, however, know that tanned or dark skinned people face this problem because when the skin rubs against each other or other skin, it becomes darker. It has something to do with the pigments or something.
  
  I suggest you lotion your body four times a day if it's gonna take a while for you to get your hands on some chemicals. I've been doing that for weeks now and my skin has felt and looked really great. I suggest Nivea for extra dry skin. It's about $6, but it depends where you go.
  
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  by JazziLoveBerry on December 20th, 2010
- @Joyceisas,,, is it necessary to show your ignorance on a subject so many Doctors have confirmed.. Well the bleaching with cheap mexican/otc products are ok if one wants to try cautiously.. but suggesting anal/vaginal bleaching with these chemicals just shouts ( BLACK MARKET Medicine) i guess nothing beats a trial... Good luck anyway..
  
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  by Nataly_C on June 11th, 2011
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by Amanda Kivett on December 20th, 2004
I read recently this that is called "skin thickening." I have the same ordeal. It doesn't bother me much, except for my neck. Like you, I feel that I am dirty. I have it where my skin touches. My dad and aunt have it as well, so I figure that it is hereditary, also. In my family, we call it "rust."

I am currently looking for a cheap, inexpensive, and effective way to lighten up this area. Have you found any more info about "skin thickening?"

Hope this helps a little for you....

-m-
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by xXheytheredelilahXx on October 2nd, 2007
i have the same problem. i am a diabetic (genetic) and have been told that i am a "healthy weight". i dont tink its to do with your weight but to do with your diet and the possibility that you might be diabetic. either way i suggest you get it checked out. i never have but am hopefully going to in the next week or two so if its anything serious i shall inform you!
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by Anonymous on October 2nd, 2007
I too have the same issue and i just went to da doctor he said it is a hereditary problem .. with sugar in our bodies which leads us to gain weight. He told stop eating dairy products instead use soy products and did a special blood test and will be giving me a special medicine i will lose up to 50 lbs in 2 months. Lets see how it works then i will tell you guys about it.....................

by kamal
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by YUNG GURL on April 17th, 2007
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM
I'M 26 YRS OLD AND ARE 50 LBS OVERWEIGHT
I THINK THAT IT'S CAUSED BY BEING OVERWEIGHT IF YOU'RE NOT DIABETIC
I STARTED WALKING BECAUSE I HEARD THATS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN GET RID OF IT IS BY LOSING WEIGHT
THEY DO GO AWAY I DONT KNOW ABOUT FOR DIABETICS THOUGH
AT THE SAME TIME YOU'RE BRINGING YOUR WEIGTH DOWN YOU CAN USE LEMON JUICE AND RUB FIRMLY WITH TOWEL THAT HAS BEEN SOAKING IN HOT WATER IT DOES WORK
GOOD LUCK
HEY I THINK ITS A WAY OF GOD MAKING US GO IN THE RIGHT TRACK
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- Stop shouting! ;-)
  
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  by JamesD on April 17th, 2007
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by Nikki P on January 25th, 2005
I have this same problem and have found that there really is no way to get these areas back to the "normal" color. The best way to help the discoloration is to eat right. Most of the time the discoloration (in my situation) is worse when I am not eating healthy foods. I am a diabetic and when I eat all of the correct food groups and monitor my blood sugar closely, and excersise you cannot tell that I have these skin problems.
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by Anonymous on December 1st, 2007
i have the exact problem but i also have acne on my back and on the back of my legs. i feel really embaressed by all this. ive been to the doctor and tried different creams but nothing has worked as yet. can someone please help me and give me a way to get rid of this skin problem. i think i have unbalanced hormones, had a check up but everything seems to be fine. please help!!!
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by yetti on August 16th, 2007
i've been told by my daughters physician that happens because she is a borderline diabetic and needs to lose weight
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by Chrissy on September 18th, 2007
THE REAL ANSWER IS: ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS AKA Too much insulin (sugar) in your body. Only real solution is to healthy up and ONLY then if it doesn't completely clear up you can resort to bleaching creams. Go to the Indians for that.
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by Anonymous on December 1st, 2008
I have dark neck,arm pit, & between my leg.
I don't know how that would happen.
So i think it was my weight thing.
I started to lose weight,but it got worse.
I was 170.
And now i at 110.
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- how did you lose the weight & how long did it take??!!! Please reply ASAP! thankss
  
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  by nlove on March 18th, 2011
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by mosha on November 13th, 2009
can we do laser treatment?
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by Bigboy on December 3rd, 2009
You know, I've noticed that on the back of my neck, as i would rub my hands on the bakc of my neck, I would feel some roughness going on back there. SO, what I did for the first time in years, was take a soapy towel and just rub on it servral times, and what a surprise. I had lots and lots of dirt come off onto a white towel. It's not that I don't take bathes, but this area of the body tends to inadvertantly get overlooked. SO Just bath Good!
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by Fearless on December 3rd, 2009
appreciate your skin. stop messing with it. I bet you i can sell you my pee in a bottle if I told you "my product" can get rid of those dark areas.
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by Peace.x on July 8th, 2009
Thank you Allexa the dermatoigilst im gonna ask my GP and ask about PCOS
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by Anonymous on January 9th, 2009
The dermatology website below shows two cases where rubbing the dark areas with isopropyl alcohol really helped:

http://dermatology.cdlib.org/112/case_reports/dirtydermatoses/rosen.html

I tried it this morning on my neck, and the patches seem lighter.
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by poohbear466 on May 21st, 2012
i'm 14 and i'm black/jamaican. i've have this discolration frm i wuz younger and i really do believe its bcuz of tha diabetes thing. my dad has it and so did my grandmother and my mom has high blood pressure and since i'm tha last child,i guess i'm gonna get them both. i am a bit overweight but what i realize is that when i exercise,it does go a way a bit. at first i wuz a bit embarrased abt it but i've gotten usee to it,but i still would want it to go away. i'm gonna strt by excercising cuz all of this need to go and then i'll watch and look if the discoloration around my neck,under my arms and between my legs go away. thanks for the other advices thoo .
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by allexa on December 18th, 2008
hi, i am a dermatologist in new jersey (usa) and this problem is called hypopigmentosis this usually happens with asian people and mexican people. this is a common thing so you don't have to worry about it. for my patients i give "Kerol", this is a cream that you rub it on the dark spots(make sure you rub it well so it goes into your skin). Use this in the morning after taking a bath and at night. after atleast 25 day of using it properly you will see white peeling of skin,don't be shocked, the medicine is supposed to do this. after you see the peeling off skin,rub that area with a cloth, when you take a bath. in couple of months the dark spots will be done. if your asking yourself where your find this cream don't get tensed. this is actually a prescribed medicine, i give couple of samples to my patients so they don't have to worry about it, but you should go to your family doctor and ask a prescription, and then get it from a pharmacy store. this helps and i am confidently sure because i am a dermatologist.
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- Sorry, but you do not sound like any kind of doctor, let alone a dermatologist. Everyone knows New Jersey is in the US. Also, you reassured us TWICE that you are a dermatologist, but your writing suggests you are not. "Don't get tensed" and "ask a prescription" are odd phrases. Perhaps English is not your first language, but I am betting you are NOT a doctor.
  
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  by JPsgirl on June 1st, 2010
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by brown eyed girl on June 12th, 2008
i have the same proble...and my weight is fine..i have no weight problem -thank god-and still donno what the problem...and my hormones are fine as i checked it .......i hearded that it's some vitamin less in our bodies but i'm not sure..i wish we all have a solution to these bad problem ..it make me feel depression all the time and i will never make a sex with these body problems :'(
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- omg i feel da same way! i have dark underarms and neck and btw my legs its horrible. i dont ever wear my hair up cause its embarassing! try da faid cream by palmer im getting sum tomorrow so ill let u no if it works
  
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  by Courtney-Paige_C on October 10th, 2010
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by titusjoseph.v on April 29th, 2012
i am from india , i too facing the same problem , the creams don't provide any solution , you may try the ayurvedic methods it may work out , i am trying but still now no progress ...
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by Yanniexgurl on August 25th, 2010
I'm 13 and I have the same problem. I am African American and I have dark rough spots on my stomach, back, underarms, neck and backside. I went to 2 different dermatology offices and the first one gave me samples of unhelpful lotions, and the second one gave me a prescription for two different topplicary creams. Then i had a blood lab test for diabetes. The test came back negative and i'm still searching for a solution. My brother has the same thing so it may be hereditary. But i also think that some of these other comments are misleading because we are talking about two different skin diseases maybe? But thats just a theory. So i hope this helps. :) good luck !
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by Rick L from WP on August 25th, 2010
AB is NOT a forum for serious medical questions.
Look at all the 'diagnosis' that have been posted.
You should actually go and see a DOCTOR, not rely on people sitting at their house typing words on an internet site.
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by TifA34 on September 16th, 2010
i have the same problem too ~ im 14 , a Malysian . I found it embarrasing when someones ask me about this problem ~ i've been suffering this problem since 12 ( if im nt mistaken ) . I dont even dare to go for the doctor ~ my mum said that it was becuase of my body size . Ya , im overweigth , im 85kg , and im juz 14 ~ my mum helped me alot over this problem , we tried out alot of creams . she even srcumb bleach on it . she suggest me to go for the doctors . i've tried once , the doctor said it's nvm and i was shocked ! i dont dare to go for any doctor anymore as it gone worser . I often feel envy when my frenz dress up sexily . nw i noe my problems ~ i;ve been working hard on dieting lately . btw i heard tat excersing works ~ but i hate to tell u tat im a schul athelete ~ i nt sure my plans gona work o nt but im goin to try it out ~ thx for all the advise frm u all ~ nw im nt lonely anymore ( plz ignore my grammartic errors , im nt gud at it )
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by grades15 on January 20th, 2011
im so glad im not alone ive had a dark spot that looks like dirt between my breast for two years now and i need help to get rid of it.
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by helping_people on July 29th, 2010
U should take a look at this..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2N9YzlK6ng
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by helping_people on July 29th, 2010
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by pryanka on April 7th, 2010
i have the same problem the darkening of the skin around the neck and armpits. i've had it for a VERY long time and ive tried everything i could possibly try...the one thing that is the most effective is a high proof alcohol and hot water as hot as you can bear it..- my nother always told me that hot water helps alot of thing(and it is true). wet the rag with hot hot water do it when you're about to take a shower, then pour the alchol over the rag a rub the area firmly not tooo hard though, it will be lighter immediately and over time it will become more lighter,, i try not to do it everyday because too much rubbing will cause yor skin to peel... i use to never wear sleeveless tops because i was ashamed of my underarms, but not anymore...your skin doesnt go back to the original shade, i dont think it will esp. if its been 'darkened' for years but it comes very close... i know that what works for me may not work for you but nothing beats a trial but s failure.....
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by dottieb1 on June 1st, 2010
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by dottieb1 on June 1st, 2010
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by helping_people on July 29th, 2010
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by मीनु_� on January 23rd, 2011
TRY THIS..,
scrub d areas with sugar and shampoo while u bath..
IT S EFFECTIVE (ONLY IF THE DARKNESS IS DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF DIRT WHICH U DINT BOTHER DURIN EARLIER YEARS)
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by mozerr on March 15th, 2011
Did any of you try any of the solutions mentioned here? I got the same problem, and I wanna get it fixed. I've been suffering from this for 10 years now. It's been on and off, I'll get it for a year and then it goes away for about 6 months, and so on.

Is there any off the shelf meds that I can get?
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by snow112 on March 3rd, 2012
hi i am 16 years old and i have like this brown line going down on top of my back ,under my arm pits and its really embarrassing because i cant go out with a low back dresses on or put my arms in the air just in case people see ..help me plz
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by Unique_J on March 7th, 2012
Okay here goes everything that is physically wrong with is because something is spiritualy
Wrong with us I have suffered with the same thing that has plaqued my body since a child, the doctors dont know-cause science n medicine can only go so far, read about balancing your chakras your chakras are imbalanced, your root chakra can cause you to insulin resistant n habe reproductive problems due to a mess up child hood or unfinish business with a parent. Call a spiritual advisor (a psychic) n seek ure healing. But start by forgiving n letting go. May Gods grace be sufficient.
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by micky.mushahary on March 20th, 2012
Just lose All the Fats it will come back to its own color Once i ws hvin same prblm bt i strtd reducin fatz n i strt makin apps n nw i dnt hv any Dark neck . jst downld sum gud execise 4m youtube n include in yo rotn....... n c the result n no ned to put any creamz itz all use less jdt be4 bathing mak a past of Lemon juice n honey n apply it on yo neck n brush it n dnt brush it 2 muc o it wl pain in yo skin.......
And once i saw in Discovery channel one Doc said its because of ' Dait to daibetise '
Eat hol day bt liltle little nt muc wen eva u gt hungry u eat a little nt muc drink juice evry mornin... aftr execise .... n c the result mny chicks wl run aftr u .
u cn c me on facebook at ' mickyrajmushahary@gmail.com'
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by Amit_N493 on April 19th, 2012
Even i Have the same problem...Dark areas in various parts of the body...Its not something to be consulted to a dermatologist but an endocrinologist and a Diabetologist. Doc said to me that..I'm over weight and so my body needs exercise..If there is no exercise to the body..It keeps resting and The production of Insulin will be increased...which causes dark areas at pressure points in the body.Please take these tests..they are not of waste :
1. Post lunch Plasma Glucose (PLPG)
2.Fasting and Plasma Gluucose (FPG)
3.Post Meal Insulin
3.Fasting Insulin
It would cost around 1500 INR : 34 USD, 26 EURO.
Yeah..as many previous answers contained : Its a sign of Diabetes. And also you need to lose weight as fast fast as possible. also suggest a Doc and take tests for :
1.CBP (Complete Blood Picture)
2.T3, T4, TSH (Thyroid Test)
~~~~~1000 INR : 18 EURO , 23 USD.
~~As i already said, Its a waste of money to consult a dermatologist..Consult and endocrinologist and follow as He/She says.Production of Insulin is increased when you don't eat, Or staying until late night~watching TV while eating snacks; You need to eat at particular timings :
1.Wake up early in the morning~at 5 am and go for a walk (Do Jog some times) for almost 30 minutes.But at maximum you must wake up at 7 am, Or else losing weight will be difficult.
2.You need to eat at the correct timings~Doesn't matter if you don't like the food,Eat a little(Not eating will lead to formation of cholesterol.) Also No Over eating in ANY situation.
~~~All the best mate...while i continue to work hard in the same field ;-)
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by Nataly_C on June 11th, 2011
I know for sure that lightening agents like baking soda ( i add peroxide) helps it slowly.. The inner thighs due to 'rubbing' wear tights or some sort of underwear that prevents your bare flesh from contact with each other,( and good old fashion AMBI. i liked the one in the metal tube better)most women in africa and the caribbean grew up wearing these tights particulaly for that reason..
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by nlove on May 2nd, 2011
Okay I have the same in my neck. Use Lava soap to wash & remove the dirt then Ambi or Black & white skin cream to finally clean out whats left over & make it clear again. Thats what I have using.. hopefully works for u (:
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by lom on March 18th, 2011
yes dis is obviously not bcos of diabetes people.some people just got it somehow.n im one of them.this is so embarassing.u cant wear shorts,mini skirts n sleeveless tops unlike d rest of ur friends without this problem.i've tried many fading cream but this doesnt help at all.i agree wit some of u saying dat dis is because of d skin rubbing against each other. i heard dere's a product in philipines that can cure this discolouration.im a shame n envy others who doesnt have this prob.:( sum1 pls invent a solution!!!help..help..help..
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by lom on March 18th, 2011
yes indeed its veri embarassing. we r shy to use mini skirts shorts let alone sleeveless. n its aching wen we c others get to wear it. any solution ppl? n im hapi n glad to noe thta im not d onli one suffering from dis"discolouration".someone pls cum up with a solution.i've tried so many fading creams but it doesnt help.scrubing=waste of effort+time..im frm sg
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by Emmanuel_S on April 1st, 2011
Usually skin discoloration is an early sign of diabetes. Exercising, living an active life, and eating healthy can prevent and even reverse the process. One company that specializes in this is Belin Sport and Fitness, BSandF.net.

Here are the facts...
Early Warning
Acanthosis nigricans (AN), a distinctive skin condition that affects Americans of color, can help nurses identify young people at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes--and prevent the future onset of this serious disease.

A growing number of youth in America are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In fact, it is estimated that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop this disease. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), all population groups are at risk for diabetes, but it is more common in Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.
These are the same ethnic groups that develop a dermatological disease called acanthosis nigricans (AN). This is an important correlation, as AN is often a precursor to a diagnosable level of type 2 diabetes. Individuals can easily be screened for AN, and treatment interventions for AN are also the interventions that can prevent type 2 diabetes from manifesting altogether. Therefore, nurses and other health care professionals need to have a thorough awareness of how to identify this early indicator, who is at risk for it, its correlation with type 2 diabetes and the treatments and preventive measures for AN.
Acanthosis nigricans is the physical manifestation of hyperinsulinemia, or insulin resistance, in body cells.1 AN will reveal itself as dark, thick skin in areas that might be rubbed from clothing, such as the abdomen, or in skin fold regions--e.g., the groin, neck, armpits or knuckles.2For this reason, AN is also known as “black neck syndrome” in reference to the highly visible neck discoloration, which is the reaction of the epidermis to increased levels of insulin in the blood system.
The body produces insulin in order to store glucose. Cells can become resistant to the insulin hormone, especially in people who do not exercise and who have a family history of insulin resistance. This leaves the insulin locked out of cells. Beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin begin to tire out and fail. Glucose in the bloodstream begins to increase, which leads to NIDDM. If the beta cells stop making insulin altogether, the individual could be dependent on insulin shots for the rest of his or her life.
Children will begin to show signs of AN around the age of 11.3 Most adults with AN recall it first appearing between the ages of 10 and 12. The condition is found equally in males and females.4The primary races affected by AN as a marker for type 2 diabetes are Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics. Pacific Islanders have not been cited in the literature as having AN, but one would assume them to be at risk based on the high rate of insulin resistance in this population group.5 AN can also be seen in Caucasians, though is substantially less common.
Finding Insulin Resistance Faster
Until recently, type 2 diabetes was thought to affect people age 40 and over. Today, type 2 diabetes in youth is on the rise, especially in ethnic minority populations. For example, the ADA reports that almost one in every two Hispanics born in the year 2000 is expected to develop the disease. This is quite alarming, as type 2 diabetes is one of the most expensive chronic illnesses in the U.S.
Luckily, AN is an early marker for the susceptibility to NIDDM. A dermatologist in Chicago states that children come in daily with AN; it is the discolored skin that brings them in.6 This highly visible “black neck” manifestation of AN is a perfect opportunity to educate these children and their families about lifestyle factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes. It is the first, early signal that the child is insulin resistant and is at risk for the cascade of detrimental effects of diabetes. AN does not mean that the individual has diabetes, although it does indicate that further testing should be done.
In the last 20 years, obesity among the general population has tripled, the ADA notes. (Obesity is defined as a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or greater.) Obesity plays a major factor in insulin resistance. Ninety-two percent of children diagnosed as having NIDDM are obese.2 In fact, there has been such an increase in children with a BMI greater than 30 that this generation is being dubbed Generation O.
However, as a single predictor of type 2 diabetes, AN is found to be much more reliable than obesity alone.1 Researchers have found there is a five times greater risk of having high fasting insulin levels in individuals with AN versus individuals who are obese without AN.7
Before the correlation between AN and type 2 diabetes was discovered, diabetes in youth was diagnosed by chance when routine urine or blood tests were performed. AN occurs before other signs and symptoms of diabetes appear. There is a typically a seven year lapse between the beginning development of diabetes in the body and the actual diagnosis of NIDDM.2
It is important that health care providers be trained to recognize the signs of AN so that children with this dermatological marker can be tested for hyperglycemia. Screening for AN is non-threatening and non-invasive. Once AN is diagnosed, preventive measures for NIDDM can be initiated.
Screening for AN by a trained professional can be done at schools or at clinics. Typically the neck area is screened, because it has been demonstrated as showing the most consistent staging area for AN. Screening the armpits can be effective in patients with normal to below-normal weight. To help predict obesity, height, weight, hip and waist measurements can be taken along with the topical screening for AN.
Researchers grade AN into stages, but simply the appearance of AN, in any stage, indicates hyperinsulinemia and will respond to treatment. Diet and lifestyle changes alone can reduce the physical presence of AN. The dark, thickened skin will gradually disappear as insulin resistance decreases.
Treating Diabetes Before It Happens
It is especially important that young people from the high-risk minority populations mentioned earlier be screened for AN. Screening in youth can help at-risk individuals prevent the development of type 2 diabetes later in life. Experts recommend that children be screened every two years beginning at age nine, to ensure that hyperinsulinemia is caught early and healthy lifestyle habits can be implemented successfully.6 Communities can be educated to alert friends and family to be properly screened if they notice the signs of AN on each other.
Education for patients diagnosed with AN should include two points:
1. Lifestyle and diet changes will decrease the discoloration on their skin.
2. All systems in their bodies will benefit from these changes.
Increasing patients’ exercise will allow insulin into their cells and will also help glucose get out of their blood system and into their cells. This will help all of their organs operate more efficiently. Peripheral blood flow will be improved, including blood flow to the eyes. Most notably, diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness and sets in during early stages of NIDDM, will be improved.2
Treatment begins when the patient switches to a wholesome, well-balanced diet and starts an exercise program. Many sources, including the American Diabetes Association, recommend decreasing weight by 5-7% and exercising two-and-a-half hours a week--e.g., walking briskly. These measures can reduce an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%.
In conjunction with exercise and diet, in some cases oral diabetic medications may be prescribed for patients with AN. These drugs, which decrease glucose production from the liver and do not increase insulin production, include Metformin®, Actos® and Avandia®. Metformin has the added effect of metabolizing fats, which helps with weight reduction.8 Blood glucose levels should be monitored and the AN discoloration should be evaluated throughout treatment.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle will greatly enhance the individual’s ability to fight off diabetes. Even if overall weight is not reduced, it is important to reduce caloric intake. This in itself will decrease cells’ resistance to insulin. With exercise, the number of insulin receptors increases, improving the body’s ability to use the insulin.8
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by Emmanuel_S on April 1st, 2011
Usually skin discoloration is an early sign of diabetes. Exercising, living an active life, and eating healthy can prevent and even reverse the process. One company that specializes in this is Belin Sport and Fitness, BSandF.net.

Here are the facts...
Early Warning
Acanthosis nigricans (AN), a distinctive skin condition that affects Americans of color, can help nurses identify young people at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes--and prevent the future onset of this serious disease.

A growing number of youth in America are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In fact, it is estimated that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop this disease. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), all population groups are at risk for diabetes, but it is more common in Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.
These are the same ethnic groups that develop a dermatological disease called acanthosis nigricans (AN). This is an important correlation, as AN is often a precursor to a diagnosable level of type 2 diabetes. Individuals can easily be screened for AN, and treatment interventions for AN are also the interventions that can prevent type 2 diabetes from manifesting altogether. Therefore, nurses and other health care professionals need to have a thorough awareness of how to identify this early indicator, who is at risk for it, its correlation with type 2 diabetes and the treatments and preventive measures for AN.
Acanthosis nigricans is the physical manifestation of hyperinsulinemia, or insulin resistance, in body cells.1 AN will reveal itself as dark, thick skin in areas that might be rubbed from clothing, such as the abdomen, or in skin fold regions--e.g., the groin, neck, armpits or knuckles.2For this reason, AN is also known as “black neck syndrome” in reference to the highly visible neck discoloration, which is the reaction of the epidermis to increased levels of insulin in the blood system.
The body produces insulin in order to store glucose. Cells can become resistant to the insulin hormone, especially in people who do not exercise and who have a family history of insulin resistance. This leaves the insulin locked out of cells. Beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin begin to tire out and fail. Glucose in the bloodstream begins to increase, which leads to NIDDM. If the beta cells stop making insulin altogether, the individual could be dependent on insulin shots for the rest of his or her life.
Children will begin to show signs of AN around the age of 11.3 Most adults with AN recall it first appearing between the ages of 10 and 12. The condition is found equally in males and females.4The primary races affected by AN as a marker for type 2 diabetes are Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics. Pacific Islanders have not been cited in the literature as having AN, but one would assume them to be at risk based on the high rate of insulin resistance in this population group.5 AN can also be seen in Caucasians, though is substantially less common.
Finding Insulin Resistance Faster
Until recently, type 2 diabetes was thought to affect people age 40 and over. Today, type 2 diabetes in youth is on the rise, especially in ethnic minority populations. For example, the ADA reports that almost one in every two Hispanics born in the year 2000 is expected to develop the disease. This is quite alarming, as type 2 diabetes is one of the most expensive chronic illnesses in the U.S.
Luckily, AN is an early marker for the susceptibility to NIDDM. A dermatologist in Chicago states that children come in daily with AN; it is the discolored skin that brings them in.6 This highly visible “black neck” manifestation of AN is a perfect opportunity to educate these children and their families about lifestyle factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes. It is the first, early signal that the child is insulin resistant and is at risk for the cascade of detrimental effects of diabetes. AN does not mean that the individual has diabetes, although it does indicate that further testing should be done.
In the last 20 years, obesity among the general population has tripled, the ADA notes. (Obesity is defined as a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or greater.) Obesity plays a major factor in insulin resistance. Ninety-two percent of children diagnosed as having NIDDM are obese.2 In fact, there has been such an increase in children with a BMI greater than 30 that this generation is being dubbed Generation O.
However, as a single predictor of type 2 diabetes, AN is found to be much more reliable than obesity alone.1 Researchers have found there is a five times greater risk of having high fasting insulin levels in individuals with AN versus individuals who are obese without AN.7
Before the correlation between AN and type 2 diabetes was discovered, diabetes in youth was diagnosed by chance when routine urine or blood tests were performed. AN occurs before other signs and symptoms of diabetes appear. There is a typically a seven year lapse between the beginning development of diabetes in the body and the actual diagnosis of NIDDM.2
It is important that health care providers be trained to recognize the signs of AN so that children with this dermatological marker can be tested for hyperglycemia. Screening for AN is non-threatening and non-invasive. Once AN is diagnosed, preventive measures for NIDDM can be initiated.
Screening for AN by a trained professional can be done at schools or at clinics. Typically the neck area is screened, because it has been demonstrated as showing the most consistent staging area for AN. Screening the armpits can be effective in patients with normal to below-normal weight. To help predict obesity, height, weight, hip and waist measurements can be taken along with the topical screening for AN.
Researchers grade AN into stages, but simply the appearance of AN, in any stage, indicates hyperinsulinemia and will respond to treatment. Diet and lifestyle changes alone can reduce the physical presence of AN. The dark, thickened skin will gradually disappear as insulin resistance decreases.
Treating Diabetes Before It Happens
It is especially important that young people from the high-risk minority populations mentioned earlier be screened for AN. Screening in youth can help at-risk individuals prevent the development of type 2 diabetes later in life. Experts recommend that children be screened every two years beginning at age nine, to ensure that hyperinsulinemia is caught early and healthy lifestyle habits can be implemented successfully.6 Communities can be educated to alert friends and family to be properly screened if they notice the signs of AN on each other.
Education for patients diagnosed with AN should include two points:
1. Lifestyle and diet changes will decrease the discoloration on their skin.
2. All systems in their bodies will benefit from these changes.
Increasing patients’ exercise will allow insulin into their cells and will also help glucose get out of their blood system and into their cells. This will help all of their organs operate more efficiently. Peripheral blood flow will be improved, including blood flow to the eyes. Most notably, diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness and sets in during early stages of NIDDM, will be improved.2
Treatment begins when the patient switches to a wholesome, well-balanced diet and starts an exercise program. Many sources, including the American Diabetes Association, recommend decreasing weight by 5-7% and exercising two-and-a-half hours a week--e.g., walking briskly. These measures can reduce an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%.
In conjunction with exercise and diet, in some cases oral diabetic medications may be prescribed for patients with AN. These drugs, which decrease glucose production from the liver and do not increase insulin production, include Metformin®, Actos® and Avandia®. Metformin has the added effect of metabolizing fats, which helps with weight reduction.8 Blood glucose levels should be monitored and the AN discoloration should be evaluated throughout treatment.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle will greatly enhance the individual’s ability to fight off diabetes. Even if overall weight is not reduced, it is important to reduce caloric intake. This in itself will decrease cells’ resistance to insulin. With exercise, the number of insulin receptors increases, improving the body’s ability to use the insulin.8
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by tameka411 on March 23rd, 2010
It's called Acanthosis Nigricans people! There is no cure for it. The areas can be lightened by doing a low carb diet, metformin/glucophage and/or using a prescription cream called tri-luma (kinda expensive around 70-90 bucks a tube). I'm not telling you something i've heard. I have a really bad case of AN (neck, chest, inside thighs, elbows, etc.) But once i started lowcarbing and using metformin, the area really lightened. Well, i couldn't really maintain my lowcarb lifestyle so the dark areas came back with a vengeance. My derm then prescribed tri-luma. I was almost brought to tears when i saw that my neck looked actually normal. But like i said the cream is expensive and is known to cause some irritation but to me it's totally worth it. But if i had to choose just one to go with,I'd definitely vote for low carb.You just have to think of it as lifestyle and not a diet. I hope this helps someone.
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- dis is diff.2 diff disease..
  
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  by lom on March 18th, 2011
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Question

I have dark areas of skin on my neck, near my arm pits, and between my legs (looks like dirt). How can I get rid of these areas and prevent them from coming back?

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