It does not itch. Yes, I believe it has spread. I rub it when I shower, but it just turns red the scrubbing. Sometimes it does become dry, so I put the lotion in that area. It does not become aggravated, no winter aggravations. I usually wear sports bras since they are more comfortable, in my opinion. My clothes are not usually tight. There is no excess sweating in that area. I feel like it does have a weird smell when I sweat in that area, like after I finish exercising. No history of allergies or irritation. I guess I am pretty harsh with it and the soap when I am in the shower since I have always tried to scrub it off. Show
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that causes areas of dark, thick velvety skin in body folds and creases. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) tends to affect people with obesity. Rarely, the skin condition can be a sign of cancer in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver. Treating the cause of acanthosis nigricans might restore the usual color and texture of the skin. Products & Services
SymptomsThe main sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It often appears in the armpits, groin and back of the neck. It develops slowly. The affected skin might be itchy, have an odor and develop skin tags. When to see a doctorConsult your health care provider if you notice changes in your skin — especially if the changes are sudden. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Sunspots, acne scars, and big brown patches are all signs of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Try these hacks for a more even skin tone. By Jennifer Benjamin and Kristeen Cherney, PhDMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD Reviewed: September 15, 2022 Medically Reviewed
If you’re bothered by dark spots due to hyperpigmentation on your skin, one thing is clear: Today there are more options for erasing that harmless but irksome discoloration than ever before. What exactly is hyperpigmentation? It’s any patch of skin that looks darker than your natural skin tone because the brown pigment melanin is being overproduced. Hyperpigmentation can be seen in liver spots (or age spots) and sunspots, as the Cleveland Clinic notes. 4 Factors That Can Cause HyperpigmentationAccording to the Cleveland Clinic, these are the most common causes of hyperpigmentation — and they can affect people of all skin tones to varying degrees. 1. InflammationSkin trauma — such as acne, eczema, bug bites, cuts, scrapes, even scratching or friction from, say, vigorous rubbing — can set off inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, can send pigment-producing cells into high gear, leaving behind a dark spot after the injury has healed. When inflammation is the cause of discoloration it is often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 2. Sun ExposureAccording to the Mayo Clinic, the sun’s UV rays trigger extra melanin production as a way to defend your skin from damage. That extra melanin is what gives you a tan. But when sun exposure is frequent or excessive it can make dark sunspots appear. Although sunspots are not cancerous, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, sun-exposed skin may develop precancerous blemishes that look similar to sunspots. For this reason, it’s important to have your skin checked yearly by a dermatologist. 3. MelasmaOften referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is characterized by brown patches that commonly form in women with fluctuating hormone levels, such as during pregnancy. This type of hyperpigmentation most often occurs in women, but can also occur in men. It is thought to be triggered by a combination of sun exposure, genetics, and hormonal changes, since it has also been linked to the use of oral contraceptives, per experts at the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Additionally, according to the Cleveland Clinic, other hormonal medications used for birth control and menopause symptoms may cause melasma, as well as other types of medications discussed below. 4. Medical Conditions or MedicationHyperpigmentation can be caused by Addison’s disease, an adrenal gland disorder that can increase melanin production. Certain drugs, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antimalarials may all increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, according to a book published by StatPearls in July 2022. Some chemotherapy drugs can also cause temporary hyperpigmentation, per the advocacy group Cancer Connect. In the case of chemotherapy drugs, associated dark spots usually resolve 10 to 12 weeks after treatment ends as new skin cells replace dead ones. The Best Ways to Treat and Prevent Future HyperpigmentationToday, there are plenty of dark-spot correctors to choose from — but it’s just as essential to tackle them preventively. The following scientifically proven steps can help. 564 Olha Kozachenko/iStock While your primary goal with hyperpigmentation is to lighten the dark spots, an effective over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizer should contain ingredients that benefit the skin in other ways. "In addition to addressing the pigment issues, a good product will have moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and maybe even a retinol to boost cell turnover," says Doris J. Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical School in New York City and the author of Beyond Beautiful: Using the Power of Your Mind and Aesthetic Breakthroughs to Look Naturally Young and Radiant. "These inactive ingredients allow the active brighteners to work more effectively." A good moisturizer can also restore the skin’s lipid, or fat, barrier, helping new skin cells stay healthy as they rise to the surface in place of old ones, notes the University of Tennessee Medical Center. 565 As tempting as it may be to scratch a mosquito bite or squeeze a stubborn blackhead, remember your mother's warning — "Don't pick!" — and follow that advice. "Scratching and picking at a spot will only increase the inflammation that's responsible for skin discoloration," says Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist and the director of Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey. "The more you mess with it now, the worse it'll look later." 566 Ake Ngiamsanguan/iStock The sooner you treat hyperpigmentation, the easier it will be to erase. “The pigment in brown spots can move deeper into the skin over time,” Dr. Downie explains. Spot-eradicating ingredients to look for in OTC treatments include azelaic and glycolic acids, vitamin C, and retinoids, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). “Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City. Research published in 2017 in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry supports Wilson’s advice, noting that the knowledge of the link between tyrosinase and excess melanin development has led to the rise of multiple OTC products with the aforementioned ingredients. While many of these OTC ingredients have “bleaching” effects on dark spots, the AAD strongly cautions against applying liquid bleach to your skin. The group recommends sticking with products made in the United States, as some imported skin lightening products have been found to be contaminated with mercury, steroids, and other harmful ingredients. 567 Katy Pack/Shutterstock If OTC remedies aren't helping, it's time to call in the pros. Dermatologists consider products with hydroquinone, alone or combined with other lighteners, to be the gold standard for fading dark spots because it slows the production of pigment. These are available by prescription, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “It's our go-to,” says Downie, “because unlike many of the ingredients in OTC products, it almost always works at eliminating hyperpigmentation.” Have your dermatologist closely monitor hydroquinone treatment, she adds, because in high concentrations hydroquinone can cause sun sensitivity and may bleach the skin. In addition to hydroquinone, the AOCD notes that your dermatologist may prescribe other treatments, such as topical cortisone cream or tretinoin, a type of synthetic vitamin A. 568 Getty Images The most effective way to prevent sun-induced discoloration is to diligently apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater, every day, even on cloudy or cool days. "UV rays just send the pigment into overdrive, turning dark spots darker," says Dr. Day. "You must wear sunblock daily on exposed areas." SPF refers to protection from UVB short-wave rays only. To also protect against UVA long-wave rays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises choosing a product that contains Mexoryl, Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. Additionally, the AAD recommends avoiding the outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, as well as your face, ears, and neck. 569 Getty Images If topical solutions aren't fixing the problem, you may want to talk to your dermatologist about more aggressive ways to banish discoloration, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion, or, per the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine, a laser resurfacing procedure. (Important note: If you have melasma, lasers are considered third-line treatments, as they have not been found to get rid of excess melanin production, according to a review published in March 2017 in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology. 570 Mykola Sosiukin/iStock Besides treatment and sun protection, there are other preventive measures you can take to minimize the onset of future dark spots. Stick to gentle skin-care products that don’t sting or burn, as irritation can worsen or trigger hyperpigmentation. Also, protect yourself against other common skin-darkening triggers by using acne medication to fight off pimples, as well as bug spray to prevent bites.
Is This Onion Water Hack the Secret to Healthy Hair?Why Using Calamine Lotion as a Makeup Primer Is a Bad Idea, Dermatologists SayIs Natural Deodorant Actually Healthier for You?NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Skin Newsletter!Enter your email By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Skin & BeautyWhether you’re shopping for a seasoned beauty lover or a total skin-care newbie, we’ve got you covered this Christmas. Which Wrinkle-Reducing Option Is Best for You?By Jessica MigalaSeptember 13, 2022Is This Onion Water Hack the Secret to Healthy Hair?Hair experts weigh in on this unusual beauty practice touted by musician Cardi B. By Marisa PetrarcaSeptember 9, 2022Healthy Hair: A Guide to Getting Full, Shiny, Strong LocksBy Leslie BarrieAugust 10, 2022Why Using Calamine Lotion as a Makeup Primer Is a Bad Idea, Dermatologists SayPlot twist: Calamine lotion isn’t just for treating bug bites — at least not according to some influencers on TikTok. Real skin-care pros, dermatologists... By Hilary I. LebowAugust 4, 2022Is Natural Deodorant Actually Healthier for You?Maybe you’ve heard that conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are linked to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Here’s what the research actually... By Christine ByrneAugust 2, 2022Stretch Marks: Why They Happen and How to Treat ThemBy Ashley WelchAugust 1, 2022Banana Boat Sunscreen Recalled for Traces of a CarcinogenThree batches of the product were found to contain benzene, which can cause cancer with long-term exposure. By Rachael RobertsonAugust 1, 2022Caffeine in Skin Care: Does It Actually Work?Perk up your skin-care routine with this trendy ingredient — dermatologists say there’s real science behind it. By Hilary I. LebowJuly 25, 20227 At-Home Sunburn Treatments to Save Your VacationGet a little too much sun on your beach vacation? These treatments, from hydration to cool compresses, can help salvage the rest of your trip. Can you get hyperpigmentation on breast?Hyperpigmentation on the body usually results from a combination of several phenomena. In the case of brown spots on the breasts, sun exposure combined with skin aging can cause pigmentation spots to appear.
What causes dark skin between armpit and breast?When your doctor or nurse did your exam, they pointed out a dark skin patch on your neck, armpit, under the breast or a skin crease. This dark patch is called acanthosis nigricans (AAY-can-THO-sis NIG-ruh-cans), or AN. It is usually a sign that your body is making extra insulin that it cannot use well.
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