Why do obese people like me have dark-colored elbows, knees, & neck?

Question

I noticed that my elbows are black, & I'm light-medium brown-skinned.

Answer 1

Choloesterol build up around yoour joints has caused permanent damaged to your elbow and knee joints. This is due to the chemical rithujan in your fatty deposits that build up around the bones.

Answer 2

Dark Elbows Diabetes

Answer 3

I am white and my elbows and knees are a little darker, especially my elbows. I considered it dry skin since I live in a very low humidity area and am getting older (which dries out your skin more). I don't think it has anything to do with weight. However my honest answer to this question is: I don't really know.

Answer 4

I'm a 45 year old woman and was recently diagnosed as being a borderline diabetic. My doctor prescribed some medication, but before filling it I decided to do some research on the internet which led me to the methods. After reading this ebook and applying the methods, my scepticism turned to 100% belief. I noticed that my energy levels increased significantly and I felt more rested in the morning, my symptoms started going away.

I am very happy to tell you that I have been feeling better than I have felt in years and my doctor informed me that he will be taking me off my prescriptions if I keep this up.

I recommend you use the Type 2 Diabetes Destroyer to naturally reverse your diabetes.

Answer 5

First of all, this is normal. You can try lightening those areas with lemon juice, but be careful. It might not work, and it can really dry out your skin. You are probably a very attractive person, and your time would be better spent appreciating all of your good qualities instead of a "bad" one that you can't really change. Life is too short to worry about things like that.

Answer 6

This may or may not help...probably ought to have it checked by a doctor though...

Pellagra is characterized by a scaly dermatitis with dusky brown pigmentation, and it appears on sun-exposed areas. It results from a deficiency of nicotinic acid, niacin, or its precursor, tryptophan.

Chronic contact dermatitis in the axillae may lead to thickening of the skin and hyperpigmentation, but chronic itching typically accompanies this eruption.

Addison's disease also may present with hyperpigmentation. The pigmentation is darkest on sun-exposed areas, although body folds may be involved. Those affected usually are weak, thin, and gaunt.

Acanthosis nigricans is asymptomatic, brown to black, with a velvety texture. Pedunculated skin tags often are present. The most common sites are the axillae, neck, and groin. If the patient is obese, the eruption may clear with weight loss or correction of the underlying endocrine disorder. Local treatment is not effective.

Acanthosis nigricans usually is classified into 2 types: a benign form, not associated with malignancy, and a malignant form. Patients with the malignant form of acanthosis nigricans tend to be thin and older than 40 years of age, and their eruption is of recent origin. The most common malignancy associated with malignant acanthosis nigricans is abdominal adenocarcinoma, especially of the stomach.

Most patients with the benign form are obese. Some have an endocrinopathy, such as diabetes mellitus, especially of the insulin-resistant type; pituitary or adrenal adenomas; Cushing's syndrome; intake of stilbestrol; or the Stein-Leventhal syndrome (polycystic ovary disease). Other causes include chronic hepatitis and ingestion of large doses of niacin.

Niacin (nicotinic acid) remains a useful drug for hypertriglyceridemia because its use reduces both triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, while it raises HDL cholesterol. However, it worsens control of blood sugar in diabetes mellitus and often produces unpleasant side effects, including cutaneous flushing, pruritus, and gastrointestinal distress due to histamine release. Additional adverse effects include occasional elevated uric acid and liver enzymes, as well as the uncommon side effect of acanthosis nigricans reviewed here.

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). AN is a hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin that is more common in people of color. AN is commonly seen on the back of the neck, arm folds, and groin. This can be a sign of resistance to insulin, and hence an early marker for Type II (late onset) Diabetes Mellitus and / or Dysmetobolic Syndrome (a constellation of diseases which can include glucose intolerance, high cholesterol, and hypertension). AN is just one example how Diabetes risk can be found long before blood sugar levels become elevated.

In rare cases, AN AN can be a marker of internal cancers. The lesions that are benign(non-cancerous) and the ones associated with cancer are indistinguishable, however the cancerous lesions are often more dramatic and are found in atypical locations, such as inside the mouth or on the tongue. Darkening of the elbows and knees, which is common in people of color is not always AN, but can be hereditary skin darkening or associated with chronic pressure on the skin, such as leaning on the elbows. Other diseases can closely mimic AN, such as Psoriasis, Eczema, and diseases of the adrenal gland. Your physician should be able to determine if your skin changes are from AN by clinical evaluation or biopsy, if needed.

Education about AN is paramount and the most important part of treatment. Weight loss and, if indicated, early intervention for Diabetes should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Bleaching creams and other topical agents are often ineffective, but if used, they should be prescribed by a physician. The use of abrasive agents, such as Brillo pads, are strongly discouraged and can lead to skin damage and further darkening of the skin.

My young patient did not have diabetes, but does have insulin resistance and Polycyctic Ovarian Disease. Most importantly, she now has a new knowledge and self -esteem that she has shared with her other family members and friends.

This article is part of a series by Lisa Price Stevens, M.D. called "Sista Did Ya Know?" empowerment of medical knowledge for sisters from a sister.

Answer 7

like my son he to have dark elbows, knees, and neck.. asked his doct. and was told that it's a condition that it's a sign of early stages of diabetes.. even though the skin ares is dark they tend to feel silky to the touch.

Answer 8

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