Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Darkening Of Skin



Recommended Posts

Let me be VERY clear on something. The darkening on the skin we are experiencing IS NOT dirt. That is either an ignorant comment from an uneducated person' date=' or someone who has been EXTREMELY poorly informed. It has to do with Insulin Resistance and the insulin leaking out of our bodies. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the TRUE cause of this very embarrassing, hygiene UNrelated issue. Please read below or take time to do your own research on Acanthosis nigricans. I myself have found very positive information regarding this unsightly issue, with regards to weight loss and overall fading of the problem areas.

Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is usually found in body folds,[1] such as the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axilla, groin, umbilicus, forehead, and other areas. (In other words..your neck, armpits, groin (inner thighs), near the belly button, and forehead)

It typically occurs in individuals younger than age 40, may be genetically inherited, and is associated with obesity or endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, polycystic ovary disease, insulin-resistant diabetes, or Cushing's disease.

The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, which leads to increased circulating insulin levels. Insulin spillover into the skin results in its abnormal increase in growth (hyperplasia of the skin).

Exactly! I have suffered from this for as long as I can remember! I've done the alcohol scrubs, betadine scrubs, to the extreme rock scrubs u know the one u use on ur feet! It is not dirt and does not go away. I have gotten it to lighten up but it comes right back. All the doctors and dermatologist I've been to all said "just lose weight and it will go away!" I didn't find out what it was until I did my own research and found Acanthosis. I can't even begin to describe the ridicule from family, "friends" making such ignorant and hurtful comments. And for someone who suffered with it too she should've known better!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ive suffered from acanthosis nigricans since I was 12 or 13 (although it was much lighter then). I do have metabolic syndrom and I am pre-diabetic...I am hoping that this will go away because I want to be able to wear sleeveless tops!! I do wear them in the summer on occasion, but I am so embarrased by my underarms that I tend not to. Has anyone exprienced a decrease in the darkness, or even seen it disappear after the weight loss?! That would just be amazing!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ive suffered from acanthosis nigricans since I was 12 or 13 (although it was much lighter then). I do have metabolic syndrom and I am pre-diabetic...I am hoping that this will go away because I want to be able to wear sleeveless tops!! I do wear them in the summer on occasion' date=' but I am so embarrased by my underarms that I tend not to. Has anyone exprienced a decrease in the darkness, or even seen it disappear after the weight loss?! That would just be amazing![/quote']

I too have suffered immensely with this issue. I, like a previous poster, was told it was "dirt", but I had already done my research and new exactly what it was. I am 29, and like you, started noticing it around 12-13, though it intensified as I got older. Let me give you some awesome news! It gets much better!! On my inner thighs is where I noticed a HUGE difference right away, but at 5 weeks post-op and 37 lbs. lost, it has all but disappeared from under my arms. Now, if my neck would just clear up, I'd be a much happier camper :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too have suffered immensely with this issue. I' date=' like a previous poster, was told it was "dirt", but I had already done my research and new exactly what it was. I am 29, and like you, started noticing it around 12-13, though it intensified as I got older. Let me give you some awesome news! It gets much better!! On my inner thighs is where I noticed a HUGE difference right away, but at 5 weeks post-op and 37 lbs. lost, it has all but disappeared from under my arms. Now, if my neck would just clear up, I'd be a much happier camper :)[/quote']

And just FYI, I am 5'5", starting weight 287, current weight 250.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too have suffered immensely with this issue. I, like a previous poster, was told it was "dirt", but I had already done my research and new exactly what it was. I am 29, and like you, started noticing it around 12-13, though it intensified as I got older. Let me give you some awesome news! It gets much better!! On my inner thighs is where I noticed a HUGE difference right away, but at 5 weeks post-op and 37 lbs. lost, it has all but disappeared from under my arms. Now, if my neck would just clear up, I'd be a much happier camper :)

I am glad to hear that its cleared up for you! I hope I have the same results....sometimes its even more embarrasing than being obese...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've seen skin bleach creams. Ive thought about using under my arms.Never used it though. Lol. Just saying I've seen it.

Bleaching creams don't work. This is caused by the over production of insulin in the body. Unless that's regulated the darkness will be there. See the comment above that gives the exact cause for it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Bleaching creams don't work. This is caused by the over production of insulin in the body. Unless that's regulated the darkness will be there. See the comment above that gives the exact cause for it.

Yes I've read the cause of it. Lol. It's kinda hard not to read it. It's the second comment. I was just saying I had seen them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, can't believe the "dirt" comment. I mean, really?

My dermatologist told me that if it bothered me so much, that I should lose weight and poof, it'll go away.

Can't wait for that NSV when my inner thighs match my legs! Lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is definitely not dirt! I had this a lot throughout my life. When I lost weight it would go away. You see it a lot in Hawaii. It is a skin condition that tends to affect those of darker ancestry. I would scrub it and scrub it and scrub it and it would only get red. I have been to the dermatologist for it and he told me it was because of my weight. It definitely does go away as the weight comes off...so no worries.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes your dermatologist is either poorly informed or ignorant and I'd think twice about seeing this person again and trusting them with your health. I cannot believe in this day an age' date=' with the large amount of research available that a medical professional would say this documented condition was dirt! SMH.[/quote']

Maybe hers WAS dirt. ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The number one reson for this is insuline resistance' date=' one you loose weight and your blod sugar levels are ok you can continue with this because of friction in those areas auch as armpits, under breast, inerthigts, etc. Once you are ready to do cosmetic surgery you can get remove those areas (most of the times) with the tummytuck, armlift, thigtlift, etc.[/quote']

But even without cosmetic surgery they go away. When I lost weight years ago the dark spots when away and I have a darker complexion. Plus my dermatologist seconds this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Okay for everyone ok this posts listen up !!! I haven't had the surgery yet, but I was looking into a cream for dark areas near my inner thighs and boy did I find it !!!! The best cream ever, I was a little doubtful at first if it was really going to work but it does!!! It works for me like magic. I'm not going to lie its not cheap it's like 40-50$ for 1oz of cream but its so worth it! And u don't need a lot of it! I just bought some on Amazon. It works for all areas of the body armpits, face, vagina, butt hole. Anywhere that needs to get lightened it works! The magic cream is called my pink wink. There are different versions I got the bleach babe! Let me know if you guys buy it and like it :) hope this helps

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No matter what you use, if you have acanthosis nigricans, it will come back. Weight loss is the only true cure

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×