Derm: Acanthosis Nigricans: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Acanthosis Nigricans🎧 A high-yield, skin-deep sign with systemic meaning – this episode unpacks everything you need to know for exams and clinical recognition.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• A velvety, hyperpigmented thickening of the skin, often seen in body folds• Commonly presents on the neck, axillae, and groin📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Insulin resistance – most common association• Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS• Endocrine disorders – Cushing’s, acromegaly, hypothyroidism• Medications – corticosteroids, OCPs, nicotinic acid• Genetic conditions – e.g. Prader-Willi syndrome• Rarely: GI malignancies (esp. gastric adenocarcinoma)💡 Mnemonic: "I HOPE Cancers Don’t Trigger This" – Insulin, Hormones, Obesity, Pills, Endocrine, Cancer, Drugs, Thyroid, Traits📌 Pathophysiology• Hyperinsulinaemia → overstimulation of keratinocytes and melanocytes• Leads to skin thickening + increased pigment production• Result: Darkened, velvety plaques at common friction sites📌 Symptoms• Darkened, velvety skin patches in skin folds• May be associated with skin tags• Usually asymptomatic, but may be mildly itchy• A visual clue to systemic disease – not the main issue itself📌 Differential Diagnosis• Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dermatitis• Systemic causes: PCOS, Type 2 DM, malignancy📌 Diagnosis• Primarily clinical – based on appearance and distribution• Work-up includes:– Fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile– Endocrine bloods (if suspected): cortisol, thyroid, LH/FSH– Consider malignancy screen if red flags present• Skin biopsy rarely needed📌 Management• 🔑 Treat the underlying cause (e.g. insulin resistance)• Lifestyle modification – weight loss, improved diet• Control diabetes or hormonal conditions• Topical agents (retinoids, keratolytics) may help appearance• Cosmetic treatment optional, not primary📌 Complications• AN itself is benign, but…• May point to serious underlying issues:– Undiagnosed diabetes– Endocrine imbalance– Hidden malignancy (in rare malignant AN)• Risk of delayed diagnosis if skin change ignored🎯 Early recognition = early intervention📌 Prognosis• If underlying cause treated, AN often improves or resolves• Long-term control depends on metabolic management📎 More MSRA Resources for Acanthosis Nigricans📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acanthosis-nigricans-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acanthosis-nigricans-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acanthosis-nigricans-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acanthosis-nigricans-rapid-quiz/🧪 Topic Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/acanthosis-nigricans/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/dermatology-for-the-msra/🌐 Explore high-yield dermatology and systemic signs at👉 https://www.passthemsra.com#MSRA #AcanthosisNigricans #DermatologyMSRA #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MSRARevisionNotes #MSRATextbook #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #MultiSpecialtyRecruitmentAssessment