That’s probably not just regular dirt that you can get washed off with soap or persistent scrubbing, that might be what they call ‘Acanthosis Nigricans’, which is an early symptom of diabetes.
Recently, a Twitter user who’s also a medical doctor with the username @fiezanizmohamed has shared the info with the public about those dark patches.
“Try looking out for the dark patches like these on the back of the necks of your children, siblings, or friends. This isn’t a mere accumulation of dead skin cells, this is acanthosis nigricans, one of the early signs of getting diabetes!” tweeted Dr. Hafizah.
She further explained that this can’t simply be scrubbed off and to check the blood sugar levels in your body.
What is Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, thick, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases such as your neck, armpits, and groin area.
These skin changes usually happen to people who are obese or have diabetes.
Children who have this skin condition, especially if they’re obese, are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes (diabetes caused by dietary causes, not hereditary).
Also a member of #medtweetMY, a group of medical doctors sharing useful health and medical advice on Twitter, Dr.HafizahMH further clarified the details of Acanthosis Nigricans to netizens commenting on her thread.
The dark patches associated with this condition are usually ‘velvety’ and have hairy features. They will not disappear even with rigorous scrubbing. Hence, marks could also b