Sunday, February 12, 2012

Wednesday, October 08, 2008 RODNEY GIBBS asks

Q: skin discolorations?

I HAVE THIS DARK SPOT ON MY LEFT LEG AND I'M CONCERNED. IT DOESN'T HURT BUT SOME TIMES IT ITCHES. WHAT COULD IT BE? I WANT TO GO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT IT BUT, I'M AFFRAID OF WHAT HE/SHE MIGHT SAY. THANK YOU

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Answers (3)
10/ 8/08 8:47pm

Mr. Gibbs-

 

I agree with Frank, it could be Acanthosis Nigricians. Here is a link to American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, it has a picture and how to treat it. The good thing is, it can go away with blood sugar control and weight control. Consult with your physician, so you can treat the dark spotSmile

 

Take Care

Cherise

Community Moderator

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10/ 8/08 3:52pm

It may be acanthosis nigricans- a fancy name for dark spot.  If so, it is likely from Type II diabetes, where extra insulin deposits into the skin.  Hopefully through better sugar control, it will fade. 

 

Then again, it could be a cyst- a fancy name for abnormal growth.  This would only get worse if it gets infected- so any redness/swollen/hot/pain, and you should see the doc, because infections can get worse with diabetes.

 

In the end, if you are concerned, you should see the doc anyway- beyond any garden variety fears, the truth is that knowledge is power.

 

Good luck and remember- no matter what the doc says, the real thing to fear is the bill :)

 

 

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3/23/10 12:27am

I have dark spots on my neck just above the shoulders.Before its just a tiny dark spot but now its spreadingall on my neck but not at the back of the neck

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