Black acanthosis was first described in Germany in 1889. According to studies, it may have a certain relationship with malignant and benign tumors.
What is a disease?
Black acanthosis is a pigment-papillary dystrophy of the skin. It refers to dangerous diseases, as it can be benign and malignant. The benign form occurs mainly in children and is associated with a violation of the endocrine system, especially if diseases such as obesity and diabetes mellitus are additionally observed. Also, dystrophy can be with violations of the nervous system.
The malignant form occurs already in adulthood. This disease is dangerous in that it is accompanied by malignant neoplasms of the internal organs and is observed mainly in places of greatest friction of the skin.
Causes of occurrence
The causes of black acanthosis are not precisely determined, however, scientists have established a certain relationship with predisposing factors. In particular, such factors include:
- heredity;
- malignant neoplasms;
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- taking certain medications.
A disease can occur in a person at any age, and basically the reasons for its formation also vary significantly between different age groups. In addition, the provoking factors may be the consumption of fatty or starchy foods, as well as overweight.
Main symptoms
Black acanthosis of the papillary layer of the skin is manifested mainly by symptoms such as:
- coarsening and exfoliation of skin;
- increased pigmentation of the affected skin;
- the appearance on the skin of papillomas and fibroids.
This disease mainly manifests itself on the natural folds of the skin. Very rarely, in a patient, changes in the skin become widespread and cover a significant area near the main lesion. In this case, changes can be observed on adjacent organs.
A photo of black acanthosis clearly shows the peculiarity of the course of the disease. Initially, a yellowish hue develops in the patient, which eventually acquires a darker and more saturated color. Gradually, fibromas and papillomas begin to form on the affected area. Mucous membranes are not predominantly affected, but papillomas may also form on them. Sometimes a person may feel tingling and itching in the affected area.
In the presence of a malignant tumor, a person feels severe weakness, apathy, drowsiness, and also begins to lose much weight.
Diagnostics
If black acanthosis occurs in a person, then the diagnosis in middle-aged and elderly patients is based on a spring examination of the emerging spots. All patients with this disease should undergo a comprehensive examination to check for malignancy.
The doctor prescribes laboratory tests. It is possible to identify such violations when conducting an insulin resistance test, since often there are no signs of diabetes, but the level of insulin in the blood will be very high. That is why, if there is a suspicion of a benign tumor, an endocrinologist should be consulted. In addition, a biopsy can be prescribed followed by a study of the resulting tissue.
Disease treatment
There are no specific methods for treating black acanthosis. The main goal of therapy is to eliminate the underlying disease. Often, for the treatment of benign neoplasms, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, and salicylic ointment are prescribed, which must be applied to damaged areas of the skin. In the presence of hormonal disorders, hormone therapy is prescribed.
Quite successfully, therapy is carried out using applications of liquid nitrogen. At the time of therapy, it is best if the patient is in the hospital. If black acanthosis of a malignant form proceeds, then the tumor is mainly removed. However, it is worth remembering that the disease can again occur with relapses and the presence of metastases.
Malignant black acanthosis is quite common, and its treatment with Vetom brings a very good result, since this drug helps reduce the effects of chemotherapy. In the presence of malignant neoplasms, this tool is used to strengthen the immune system, as a restoring antitumor drug.
In the presence of warts on the skin, tissue coagulation is performed under the influence of electric current. On areas with increased skin pigmentation, special ointments or alcohol tinctures are applied. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system, for which vitamin complexes are used, as well as extracts of echinacea and ginseng. In addition, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic powders are used. Baths with the addition of potassium permanganate help well.
With a severe course of the disease, hormonal therapy agents are prescribed. Patients throughout life need constant intake of zinc preparations that help maintain a good condition of a person.
Disease prognosis
Many patients with a benign form of the disease have an additional insulin-resistant condition, which becomes the main cause of acanthosis. The severity of the course of the disease and the prognosis after treatment largely depend on the degree of insulin resistance. In the presence of an open form of diabetes, the prognosis is rather disappointing. With proper and timely treatment, you can achieve a quick recovery. The teenage form is characterized by the fact that the disease goes away on its own, as the child grows older.
With the occurrence of a malignant form of the disease, the prognosis is rather disappointing, since the main tumor has an aggressive character. The average life expectancy of such patients is 2 years, although there are cases when people have lived for more than 10 years.
Prophylaxis
To reduce the likelihood of a disease, certain preventive measures must be followed. Such preventative measures include maintaining a normal body weight. In addition, it is necessary to control the level of insulin and maintain it normal.
Complications
Complications can be very different, depending on the features of the course of black acanthosis. In children, the disease mainly proceeds in a benign form, so the occurrence of dangerous complications is not observed.
In adults, the disease is more acute, and serious complications are observed when the disease becomes chronic. Often there is the occurrence of seborrhea, fungal infections, as well as relapses and metastases of malignant tumors.
Black acanthosis in dogs: a feature of the course and treatment
In animals, the disease is characterized by the appearance of many growths and papillomas in large folds of the skin. In this case, the color of the skin changes and cell proliferation occurs.
Black acanthosis in dogs occurs for a variety of reasons, in particular such as:
- endocrine disorders;
- malignant neoplasms;
- obesity;
- heredity.
The main signs of the disease are characterized by the appearance of keratinized skin areas and strong pigmentation. These areas are mainly concentrated between the buttocks, in the femoral and inguinal folds, armpits, around the navel, near the ears and on both sides of the neck.
The skin of the animal acquires a brownish tint and becomes very dry, and after a while they begin to darken. Many folds and growths appear, and the relief is significantly enhanced. The primary form of the disease occurs in dachshunds of both sexes, mainly up to a year. Secondary is observed in dogs of all breeds, but most often in smooth-haired dogs. This condition indicates problems with the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland.
Treatment of the primary form of the disease is currently ineffective, since there are no targeted drugs. The condition of the animal can be alleviated only by taking hormonal drugs and various creams for external use.
The administration of glucocorticoids, as well as vitamin E. Only the use of means to eliminate skin inflammation is shown.