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Dark Ring Around the Neck

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What Causes Dark Neck?

A dark neck or a dark ring around your neck can sometimes indicate a serious underlying medical condition.  Diabetes, hormonal problems and obesity can be associated with a dark neckA dark neck, or a dark ring around your neck, is a relatively common problem.  The skin on the neck becomes thickened, darker and has a velvety appearance. 

 

A dark neck can occur from irritation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), build up of dead skin, or even from medications that might make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  The most common cause of dark neck that dermatologists see is a condition called acanthosis nigricans. 

 

What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is the most common cause of dark neck.  It makes the neck have a dark, velvety appearance, and looks like a dark ring around the neck. 

 

dark ring neck acanthosis nigricans

 

While the neck is the most common place to see acanthosis nigricans, it is also commonly seen in the armpits, between the breasts, and on the knuckles.

 

dark ring acanthosis nigricans

Courtesy: National Library of Dermatology Teaching Slides

 

Acanthosis nigricans can also darken the skin of your face.   In fact, some people with acanthosis nigricans get darker velvety patches of skin on their cheeks and forehead.  Another condition that causes dark patches on the face is melasma, but it usually looks less velvety than acanthosis nigricans.

 

Is Dark Neck Dangerous?

A dark neck from acanthosis nigricans can be related to an underlying medical condition like:

  • Diabetes/prediabetes
  • Hormonal or thyroid problem
  • A medication you’re taking
  • Obesity
  • Cancer

 

Sometimes a dark neck from acanthosis nigricans can be genetic too.  It’s important to see your doctor if you have a dark neck.  Your doctor will examine you, and then do other tests based upon your history and risk factors.

 

How to Treat Dark Neck

A dark neck caused by acanthosis nigricans often improves when the underlying medical problem causing it is treated.  If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes you may see skin improvement as these conditions are brought under control.  If you’re not at your ideal body weight, weight loss can help with dark neck caused by acanthosis nigricans too.

 

Other Treatment Options:

 

Conclusion

Dark neck, or acanthosis nigricans, can sometimes be a signal to a problem inside your body.  See a doctor to get checked out, and then discuss what treatments are most appropriate for your skin type and condition.   

 

Image Credits:

Featured Image: Lazzarini R et al. Acantose nigricante maligna: realato de caso

Yuste-Chaves M et al. Cutaneous alerts in systemic malignancy

American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatology Teaching Slides

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