Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
03:10
A Rat Model of Compound Acne
Published on: November 1, 2024
Generalized acanthosis nigricans in childhood
Vandana Mehta Rai1, C Balachandran
1Department of Skin and STD, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka. vandanamht@yahoo.com
Dermatology Online Journal
|November 7, 2006
Summary
Generalized acanthosis nigricans is rare in children and often linked to obesity. This case highlights a 13-year-old boy with a rare, generalized skin condition, where no underlying cause was identified after thorough examination.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatological condition characterized by hyperpigmentation and skin thickening.
- In pediatric populations, AN is frequently associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old male presented with an eight-year history of generalized skin hyperpigmentation and velvety texture.
- The patient exhibited widespread skin changes suggestive of generalized acanthosis nigricans.
Findings:
- Extensive physical and laboratory investigations were conducted to identify an underlying etiology.
- No evidence of endocrinological disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome) or neoplastic conditions was detected.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of idiopathic generalized acanthosis nigricans in children, distinct from common obesity-related forms.
- Further research may be needed to understand rare pediatric presentations of AN without identifiable secondary causes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:27Signs of Puberty
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...