Dark Underarms Could Be a Health Warning Sign, Not Just a Beauty Issue (Credits: Pexels)
While one may think skin darkening is due to tan or because of razor use, the reality can be different and a bit more serious also. Dark underarms, dark news, neck folds, and inner thighs can often be ignored as aesthetic flaws but in reality, these patches may be the early signs of underlying endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Why does skin darkening happen?
Skin darkening in the folds like neck, underarms and groin is usually a teller of a condition called acanthosis nigricans (AN). This goes beyond just being a skin-issue, It is a signal from your body indicating health emergencies. AN is most commonly linked to:
- Insulin resistance
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
According to a study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2019, 74% people with acanthosis nigricans also have insulin resistance in their body. The darkening occurs as a result when high insulin levels stimulate the skin cells (keratinocytes) to grow more rapidly and produce extra pigment.
The real culprits
Dark underarms are not due to dirt, or poor hygiene, or excessive tan. It is biological. Friction from tight clothes or even frequent shaving can worsen dark underarms by causing low-grade inflammation. There are also other reasons such as hormonal conditions like PCOS that can lead to an increase in the melanin production. On the other hand, obesity adds to the skin folds and raises insulin levels. Both of these things can accelerate pigmentation.
When to see a doctor in place of a dermatologist?
If you are experiencing dark patches in more than one fold (underarms, neck, knuckles, groin) and especially if you have irregular period or fatigue or even sudden weight gain, you should consult a physician, not just a dermatologist. Get tested for the following:
- Blood sugar/ HbA1c
- Hormonal panels (PCOS/ androgens)
- Thyroid function
Other things that help:
- Weight management
- Topical retinoids or azelaic acid, via prescription
- Switching to gentle, non-frictional hygiene products
