How To Cure Dark Neck
Drug-induced skin pigmentation – Hyperpigmentation of the skin may occur as a result of some drugs, including but not limited to:
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsphenytoinantimalarialsamiodaroneantipsychotic drugstetracyclines
The discoloration can appear anywhere on the body, including the neck. The colors range from dark brown to blue-black. It typically will resolve once the drug causing it is stopped, however, the discoloration could also be long-term or even permanent. In those cases, laser treatments may be able to remove the hyperpigmentation.
- Because black neck isn’t a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, it’s important to see a doctor if you notice a darkening anywhere on your neck.
- AN can typically be diagnosed with a skin check, but your doctor will likely also check you for diabetes and may perform additional tests such as blood tests and X-rays based on your other symptoms.
Treating the underlying condition that’s causing your darkened neck is key to eliminating it and preventing it from recurring. In some cases, the discoloration may resolve when the condition is treated, or in the cases of drug-induced hyperpigmentation, when the medication is stopped.
- For example, most AN is caused by insulin resistance, which can often be solved with weight loss.
- Even if the underlying condition is treated, long-term or permanent discoloration of the skin may remain, which may make you feel self-conscious.
- There are several options that may help return skin to its original color.
While some may be better for certain skin tones, your doctor or a dermatologist can help determine which may be most effective for you. Treatment options for black neck may include the following:
exfoliationprescription medications including salicylic acid, Retin-A, and alpha hydroxy acids, as well as oral acne medications chemical peels laser treatments
Dark neck isn’t a harmful or contagious condition on its own. However, it could be the sign of a more serious condition, so you should see your doctor at the first signs of your skin darkening. They can help diagnosis and treat the cause as well as discuss treatment options to help your skin return to its original color.
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What causes a dark neck?
Acanthosis Nigricans – Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. The main sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
Will a dark neck go away?
Frequently Asked Questions –
Will dark neck go away on its own? Dark neck may go away on its own, depending on the cause. If a drug causes dark neck, it may go away when the medication is stopped. If an underlying health condition causes dark neck, it may go away when the condition is treated. In some cases, dark neck may be permanent. When should I be concerned about dark skin around the neck? Dark neck can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, so it is important to see a healthcare provider if you notice hyperpigmentation anywhere on the neck—especially if it appears suddenly. Dark neck is very common, particularly in people with darker skin tones. It is also more common in people with excess weight or obesity, diabetes, and/or taking certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives).
Is it possible to whiten dark neck?
Ubtan for dark neck – A traditional ubtan is generally used to brighten and lighten the skin tone. Ubtan helps in reducing pigmentation and makes your neck skin glow. The flour used in the mixture helps exfoliate the skin, absorbs impurities, and tightens pores.
- How to use: Take two tablespoons of besan (gram flour), half teaspoon lemon juice, a dash of turmeric, and some rose water (or milk).
- Mix all of them and form a medium consistency paste.
- Apply the mixture on your neck, leave it on for about fifteen minutes, and rinse with water.
- You can repeat this remedy twice a week.
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Can dark neck go away with weight loss?
How Is Acanthosis Nigricans Treated? – Treating the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans can make the dark patches of skin fade or even disappear. This can mean stopping any medicine that’s causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions.
Can fat cause dark neck?
Many overweight and obese people have darkening behind neck, in the armpits and other parts of body with creases and folds like in elbows, knees, knuckles. It is commonly mistaken as a smudge of dirt or uncleanliness or lack of hygiene. Some people think that it is due to repeated friction caused by necklace or chains etc.
In fact, it is a sign of Diabetes which is already developed or going to develop. If you notice this kind of darkening, one should get their blood sugar tested and consult a diabetologist immediately. This darkening is due to excessive cell growth and differentiation of fibroblasts caused by an excess of insulin in the body especially; in obese individuals and Type 2 diabetes patients.
In obese individuals and Type 2 diabetes patients, the excess amount of fat especially abdominal fat (tummy fat) causes resistance to the action of insulin secreted by pancreas and hampers its activity. In return, the body produces more insulin from pancreas to keep the blood sugar under control.
This excess amount of insulin secreted by the body promotes skin cell growth which leads to acanthosis nigricans. After producing excess amount of insulin; the pancreas start exhausting which leads to the development of diabetes. At this stage diabetes can be prevented by simple lifestyle modification and moderate weight loss.
Keeping in mind that complications caused by diabetes on damaging retina, kidney, nerves, heart, vascular system and financial burden caused by treatment, it is important to STOP DIABETES here. Lifestyle Modification includes: – Replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grain foods.
– Increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods high in fiber content. – Decrease saturated fat intake by avoiding chips, biscuits, pastries, samosas, vada pav etc. – Increase intake of grilled & steamed food instead of frying and roasting. – Reducing amount of food intake (portion size) at a time cuts down calorie intake.
– At least daily 30 minutes of moderate exercise including brisk walking, cycling etc. – Gradual weight loss to keep BMI in range of 18- 23 (for Indians) – Stress management with yoga, meditation etc The article has been contributed by: Dr. Nikhil D. Prabhu, M.B.B.S., C.
DIABT, P.D.D.M. (Dip. in Diabetes), Fellowship in Diabetes (Royal Academy, Liverpool U.K.), Aaditya Care, Haut Daibetes Care, Mumbai E-mail: [email protected] Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views.
This should not be considered as a substitute for Physician’s advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.
Does dark neck mean diabetes?
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) Often causing darker skin in the creases of the neck, AN may be the first sign that someone has diabetes.
How to clean my neck?
2. Exfoliate – Exfoliate your neck once a week to remove old skin, dead skin from the surface. You can make things easy for yourself by just exfoliating your face and neck in the shower at the same time. An easy homemade scrub you can whip up in no time is brown sugar, a tiny splash of lemon and a teaspoon bit of honey.
Gently massage into your skin to slough off any dead skin cells then rinse off thoroughly. Lemon has a naturally brightening effect which canhelp diminish the appearance of dark skin. For a non-DIY solution you can go for Garnier SkinActive’s Clean + Invigorating Daily Scrub, a gel scrub formulated with Jojoba beads that deeply cleanse and polish to refine pores.
The formula infused with peppermint instantly energizes skin for a healthy look.
Why my skin is getting darker?
Considerations – Normal skin contains cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin. Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented. Skin with no melanin at all is called depigmented.
Pale skin areas are due to too little melanin or underactive melanocytes. Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes. Bronzing of the skin may sometimes be mistaken for a suntan. This skin discoloration often develops slowly, starting at the elbows, knuckles, and knees and spreading from there.
Bronzing may also be seen on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. The bronze color can range from light to dark (in fair-skinned people) with the degree of darkness due to the underlying cause.
What is dark skin on neck called?
Acanthosis nigricans is the name for dry, dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it needs to be checked by a GP.
Is it bad if my neck is dark?
Drug-induced skin pigmentation – Hyperpigmentation of the skin may occur as a result of some drugs, including but not limited to:
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsphenytoinantimalarialsamiodaroneantipsychotic drugstetracyclines
The discoloration can appear anywhere on the body, including the neck. The colors range from dark brown to blue-black. It typically will resolve once the drug causing it is stopped, however, the discoloration could also be long-term or even permanent. In those cases, laser treatments may be able to remove the hyperpigmentation.
- Because black neck isn’t a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, it’s important to see a doctor if you notice a darkening anywhere on your neck.
- AN can typically be diagnosed with a skin check, but your doctor will likely also check you for diabetes and may perform additional tests such as blood tests and X-rays based on your other symptoms.
Treating the underlying condition that’s causing your darkened neck is key to eliminating it and preventing it from recurring. In some cases, the discoloration may resolve when the condition is treated, or in the cases of drug-induced hyperpigmentation, when the medication is stopped.
- For example, most AN is caused by insulin resistance, which can often be solved with weight loss.
- Even if the underlying condition is treated, long-term or permanent discoloration of the skin may remain, which may make you feel self-conscious.
- There are several options that may help return skin to its original color.
While some may be better for certain skin tones, your doctor or a dermatologist can help determine which may be most effective for you. Treatment options for black neck may include the following:
exfoliationprescription medications including salicylic acid, Retin-A, and alpha hydroxy acids, as well as oral acne medications chemical peels laser treatments
Dark neck isn’t a harmful or contagious condition on its own. However, it could be the sign of a more serious condition, so you should see your doctor at the first signs of your skin darkening. They can help diagnosis and treat the cause as well as discuss treatment options to help your skin return to its original color.
Is dark neck permanent?
Q. Can a black neck go away permanently? – A. Although this depends on the intensity of and the cause of the black neck, more often than not, this condition can be cured permanently. But in order to ensure that your skin is not getting damaged in the process, we would advise you to speak to your doctor about the best line of treatment for you.
Do white people get acanthosis nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans is much more common in people with darker skin pigmentation. The prevalence in whites is less than 1%.
Can weight gain cause skin darkening?
Skin Problems Related to Obesity Being overweight (obesity) may cause skin problems due to several factors. Changes in hormones may cause acanthosis nigricans, which are darkened, velvety areas of the neck and body folds, while stretching of the skin may result in stretch marks (striae).
- Increased strain on the leg veins may cause fluid retention, leg swelling, rupture of superficial capillaries (capillaritis), varicose veins, dermatitis, and even ulcers.
- Retained moisture in body folds encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to skin rashes and potential breakdown and a variety of infections, such as intertrigo.
Finally, the foot may develop corns and calluses due to the increased weight. Many of these skin problems will resolve with a healthy diet and subsequent weight loss. Click any of the images below to gain medical information about what skin changes are common in obesity.
Does dark neck mean diabetes?
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) Often causing darker skin in the creases of the neck, AN may be the first sign that someone has diabetes.
