The Cause of Your Underarm and Skin Darkening May Be 'Insulin Resistance' That You Ignore

Stating that darkening of the armpits and skin has become a common problem that many people are uncomfortable with due to aesthetic concerns, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale said, “Although many people who encounter this situation seek solutions by applying various treatment methods, insulin resistance, which is the main reason behind these darkening, is often ignored.”

Pointing out that insulin resistance may be one of the causes of darkening in the armpits and skin, which often causes discomfort due to aesthetic concerns, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Gürkan Taşkale said, “Insulin resistance can lead to a condition called ‘acanthosis nigricans’, which can cause darkening of the skin, especially in areas such as the neck, armpits and groin.” Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale said, “Although many people who encounter this situation seek solutions by applying various treatment methods, insulin resistance, which is the main reason behind these darkening, is usually ignored. However, insulin resistance is a condition that manifests itself with symptoms such as darkening and thickening of the skin and may indicate more serious health problems in the long term.”

“It is linked to diabetes and obesity”

Stating that insulin resistance can lead to a condition called 'acanthosis nigricans', which can cause darkening of the skin, especially in areas such as the neck, armpits and groin, Dr. Lecturer. Mustafa Gürkan Taşkale emphasized that this condition is usually associated with high levels of insulin and is linked to health problems such as diabetes and obesity. Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale underlined that a doctor should be consulted to clarify the underlying cause of skin darkening.

“Insulin causes thickening of the skin and darkening in color”

Stating that armpit darkening or other browning in the body may be caused by different reasons, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale said that the relationship of this condition with insulin resistance usually occurs in the form of acanthosis nigricans. Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Taşkale said, “Acanthosis nigricans is manifested by thickening, velvety and darkening of the skin in certain areas of the skin, neck, armpits, groin and other folds. Insulin resistance causes acanthosis nigricans because insulin resistance increases cell growth and proliferation in cells and skin. Some growth factors that are increased in the body due to insulin resistance cause the skin to thicken and darken in color. These changes can be seen on the neck, neck area, groin, folds such as knees, elbows and sometimes on the fingers, hands and joints.”

“The cause of darkening can also be an indicator of intra-abdominal cancers”

Stating that lesions due to lipodystrophy and some fungal infections can also be seen frequently in patients with insulin resistance other than acanthosis nigricans, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale said, “Apart from insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans can sometimes be seen in cancers of the intra-abdominal organs or some lung cancers. Therefore, acanthosis nigricans is of clinical importance and relevant examinations must be performed in patients with these symptoms.”

“Treatment is possible by eliminating insulin resistance and its causes”

Stating that the treatment of acanthosis nigricans will be possible by eliminating insulin resistance and the root causes of the disease, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale said, “If acanthosis nigricans is due to insulin resistance conditions, if it is due to obesity, we know that acanthosis nigricans can regress with methods such as lifestyle changes, diet adjustment, drug treatments for insulin resistance and weight loss.”

Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Taşkale finally pointed out that if acanthosis nigricans is caused by a malignancy (cancer) related condition, this condition may also disappear with the treatment of cancer and concluded his statements with the following words:

“In the direct treatment of acanthosis nigricans, endocrinologists generally do not prescribe medication, peeling, laser treatment or aesthetic treatments with some medications can be applied in consultation with skin doctors. In addition, lifestyle changes and treatments for insulin resistance are the most important treatment methods in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans due to insulin resistance or obesity.”