Acanthosis nigricans is best described as?

Acanthosis nigricans is best described as?

• A. Thin, light patches of skin
• B. Red, scaly patches on elbows
• C. Patches of darkened thick skin
• D. Hair loss on scalp

Answer: (C)

Acanthosis nigricans is a pattern of darkened, thickened skin that typically appears in body folds such as the neck, axillae, and groin. The patches are usually velvety in texture and range from brown to black. This description fits best because the condition manifests as areas of hyperpigmented, thickened skin rather than light patches or red, scaly areas, and it is not related to hair loss. It’s often linked to insulin resistance or endocrine issues, which helps explain why these patches arise in common folds where friction occurs. The other descriptions—thin light patches, red scaly patches, or hair loss on the scalp—don’t match this presentation.

Acanthosis nigricans is a pattern of darkened, thickened skin that typically appears in body folds such as the neck, axillae, and groin. The patches are usually velvety in texture and range from brown to black. This description fits best because the condition manifests as areas of hyperpigmented, thickened skin rather than light patches or red, scaly areas, and it is not related to hair loss. It’s often linked to insulin resistance or endocrine issues, which helps explain why these patches arise in common folds where friction occurs. The other descriptions—thin light patches, red scaly patches, or hair loss on the scalp—don’t match this presentation.