I have black spots on my neck. What are they?

Acanthosis nigricans is a sign that something is happening in our body that we have not paid attention to. These color changes, which not only appear on the neck but also affect other parts of the body such as the armpits, groin, abdomen, knuckles, and other folds, are the result of an abnormality that affects our metabolism. The most common cause is insulin resistance.

This condition is often a precursor or trigger for type 2 diabetes mellitus, more commonly seen in adults. However, nowadays, many more cases are observed in adolescents compared to previous years. It is, of course, 100% linked to poor diet and also to physical inactivity.

Humans tend to judge situations we don’t fully understand, and acanthosis nigricans is one of those cases. When we see it, comments like “They didn’t bathe well” or “They have cancer” often arise. However, due to rumors and misinformation, the true factors are often overlooked. It’s worth mentioning that some types of cancer and certain corticosteroid treatments can also trigger this condition.

One of the most conclusive factors here is always our root issue: obesity, which is always present in metabolic and multi-metabolic diseases. We know that letting this terrible problem grow will always bring consequences. To be clearer and more direct, an increase in the consumption of refined sugars and unsaturated fats results in an overproduction of insulin. This in turn affects the adrenal glands, which cause the release of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for the change in skin color.

So, if you notice a family member or friend with these signs, recommend they see a doctor for timely evaluation to prevent the progression from insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes mellitus.