[N8veChick14]

Okay since everyone is asking a lot of skin questions in here, I have one that I am very curious about. I dont want to gross anyone out or anything, just want to know if it's normal when you're overweight. Has anyone else ever had that darker, rougher, thicker skin in their armpit ? And does anyone know if that goes away when you lose weight or at least is less noticeable? It is so very embarassing for me. I'm just hoping that after losing weight that it will go away, because that would be so much motivation for me

[Christina7806]

Yes, I had that. I also had it on my elbows, neck, under my breasts and stomach. It went away on my stomach, neck, and under my breasts. It is almost gone on my elbows and has lightened quite a bit under my arms. My "personal" opinion is that it was related to my blood sugar levels. I did extensive research and I always came up with answers relating to blood sugar, PCOS, etc. It is hard to say what will happen for you but, for me, the issue is resolving itself.

[nelie]

Yup I believe those come from insulin sensitivies and blood sugar levels. Someone asked a similar question a little while back and here is the stuff I dug up -

This is from the American Diabetes Association

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a condition in which tan or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin. Sometimes they also occur on the hands, elbows, and knees.

Acanthosis nigricans usually strikes people who are very overweight. The best treatment is to lose weight. Some creams can help the spots look better.


This is from the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder that may begin at any age. It causes velvety, light-brown-to-black, markings usually on the neck, under the arms or in the groin. Acanthosis nigricans is most often associated with obesity.

Eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, can cause insulin resistance. This will result in elevated insulin levels. Most patients with acanthosis nigricans have a higher insulin level than those of the same weight without acanthosis nigricans. Elevated levels of insulin in most cases probably cause acanthosis nigricans. The elevated insulin levels in the body activates insulin receptors in the skin, forcing it to grow abnormally. Reducing the circulating insulin by dieting or medication can lead to improvement of the skin problem.

[N8veChick14]

Oh okay, now it makes a lot of sense. I went to the doctor last year and he told me that I was more likely to develop diabetes, because when I was prego with my twins I had gestational diabetes. He did a glucose test at the time and he told me that I didn't have it, but that I was a borderline diabetic. It never hit me then, but now I'm freaking I'm going to make an appointment right away, gotta get thing in check.

[nelie]

Well you don't have to be diabetic to have insulin sensitivities, people with PCOS get the same thing. Improving your diet as well as losing weight should help with the dark skin patches.

[Meroo]

Hi there.. I do believe that the dark skin is from the friction of the skin with each other.. so when u lose weight, it will start to fade on it's own cause the friction will be less.. also put creams on it and exfoliate to remove the dead skin. cause those dark scaly ones are dead..

[shrinkingchica]

Nelie is a smart and well-informed lady. Usually it has everything to do with insulin sensitivities.

That being said, I had it between my thighs but that was due to my uber-sensitive skin and many many a chub-rub that resulted in skin lesions. That has since been snip-snipped away!