Throughout our lives, our bodies share signs that tell us what we are doing wrong, right or need to change. Our skin is no different. Many overweight African Americans have dark spots on their skin on their face, specifically around their cheeks and on the neck. Are these bad for your health?
What Is It?
The dark spots you see are called Acanthosis nigricans and has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, endocrine disorders, familial inheritance, genetic variations, internal malignancies, and a plethora of drugs. This hyperpigmentation typically occurs in commonly visible areas of the skin, such as the cheeks and neck. It may also occur on the scalp and palms. Rarely it is a sign of cancer.
Dark Spots Around Your Cheeks & Neck: How Harmful Are They? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
