Most skin manifestations reflect an underlying condition in thebody(part 1)

If You have a dark velvety patch(es) on Your neck, and/or armpits, which suddenly came out, then You need to read this.

Before I start discussing skin conditions one by one in detail.  It would be helpful to know the basics of these diseases. While some of these skin manifestations are just a warning sign, some indicate a serious disorder, and some are the main outcomes of that disease(examples are chicken pox and bites)

This is a bulky topic, therefore I will discuss it in parts.

Skin manifestations, in this context, are signs and symptoms.

Symptoms -  What You feel and see

Signs- What other people (including Your Doctor) observe.

Weight gain and Obesity

The most known method by which You can know if you have a normal Body weight is the Body Mass Index (BMI).

It is measured thus, take Your weight in Kg(numerator), then take the square of Your height in meter ( denominator) and divide them.

(weight in kg/ height in metre^2)

Between 18.5 and 24.9 is a normal BMI, 25-29.9 is overweight and above 30 is defined as obesity.

Being overweight comes with many negative effects. Some of these are

• High blood sugar and fat levels, which if not put to check can result in Diabetes.


• Insulin resistance is closely related to high blood sugar. Insulin is a substance which controls the sugar level in the body. When the body cells don't respond to insulin, they are said to be resistant. This cascade then leads to high blood sugar.

Now, how does the body react to high blood sugar?

It sends some warning signs and some of the prominent are the ones seen on the skin.

• Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis means thickening while 'Nigricans' means dark or black.

This is a dark and thickened, velvety patch (it feels like silk on touch). It is usually painless and may become itchy.  Areas where it commonly can be found are

• Neck


• Armpits- when found here, it comes with odor.


• knuckles(both hands and knees)


• Other folds and creases of the body.

How to manage it

There is no way to treat it.

As it is a  warning sign, the best way for it to disappear is by making lifestyle changes.

1. Exercise regularly


2. Change or modify Your diet- This can be done by replacing fizzy and sugary drinks for water,ry to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables or fruits (or mixed) a day, reducing food portions, etc. Glaring effects of these modifications may not be seen immediately. However, they will show patience and consistency.


3. Visit Your Doctor in order to perform a complete Blood sugar and lipid profile.         Furthermore, the Doctor will advise and give You help.

Ps: Acanthosis Nigricans can also be a warning sign for other conditions such as infections, cancer, etc.

• Other skin symptoms associated with high Blood sugar/Diabetes.

Recurrent Infections such as Vaginal fungal infection, athletes' foot, ulcers (open sores, especially on the feet), skin tags, etc.

A problem in the gut

These are diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract.

• Coeliac disease (Gluten intolerance)

People with this problem cannot eat anything containing wheat. The absorbing capacity of the intestines is gradually destroyed as wheat-containing foods are consumed.

This results in diarrhea, malnutrition, fatigue, etc. The skin outcome of this disease is dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin which resolves with gluten withdrawal).

Furthermore, there is malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and other micronutrients.

The best treatment is withdrawal from food containing gluten. Look for gluten-free indication before consumption.

• Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis

These comprise one entity called Inflammatory bowel disorders. The most common associated skin disorder is called Erythema nodosum. It can be described as raised, reddish bumps on the skin mostly found on the lower leg.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum is another skin disorder that may be seen. It is an ulcer which is painful and infected.

Thank You for reading.

Yours in the flawless skin journey, Nafisah NK