Acanthosis Nigricans: Home Remedies for Velvety Dark Neck

Have you noticed dark pigmentation on the folds of your neck, armpits, breasts or groin? Does it feel velvety to touch and appear in brown to black color? These symptoms indicate Acanthosis Nigricans, a skin disorder in which the affected regions turn thick and dark with a velvety texture. The condition is named Acanthosis Nigricans, as Acanthosis means a 'benign overgrowth of the stratum spinosum layer of the skin', while Nigricans means black.

So, what causes Acanthosis Nigricans?

There is no clear research on the exact causes of Acanthosis Nigricans. But studies show that this condition is an indication of pre-diabetes or diabetes in the affected people. It is known that adults and children who have insulin resistance are more prone to getting Acanthosis Nigricans than others. Also, Acanthosis can also be a congenital problem or an issue from the birth.

Other Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans are as follows:

1. Obesity
2. Insulin Resistance
3. Cancers
4. Medications related to hormones, oral contraceptives, growth hormones, growth hormone supplements etc.
5. Hormonal problems like - Addison's Disease (Disorder of the adrenal gland), Disorder of Pituitary gland

Although Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin disorder, it is not dangerous and is rarely indicative of a harmful condition like Cancers. While there is no medication to treat this condition, using some home remedies can help lighten the pigmentation and improve the texture of the region.

Read along to know more about the 10 Home Remedies to treat Acanthosis Nigricans Neck!

10 Home Remedies to Treat Acanthosis Nigricans Neck:

Here are some safe and natural home remedies to remove dark, velvety patches on your neck, armpits, elbows, knees, groin, breasts etc.

1. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice:

A mixture of Coconut oil and lemon juice is one of the best home remedies for dark neck or Acanthosis Nigricans. Coconut oil has excellent skin nourishing agents like fatty acids which penetrate deep into the layers and moisture skin from within. In addition, lauric acid present in Coconut oil can boost collagen levels to prevent the formation of folds or wrinkles caused by Acanthosis. Lemon juice, on the other hand, works like a natural bleach to clear the pigmentation on the skin.

Here's how to use Coconut oil and lemon juice to treat Acanthosis Nigricans neck:

Ingredients:

Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Mix equal quantities of Coconut oil and lemon juice in a small bowl
Whisk well to blend the ingredients properly
Apply this mixture to the affected regions of your skin
Leave it overnight
Use it every day for best results

2. Besan and Yoghurt:

Another age-old neck whitening home remedy is a mixture of Besan and Yoghurt. Besan or Gram flour is a natural exfoliant that removes dead cells from the outer skin layer to reveal fresh skin from the inside. The deep skin cleansing properties of besan helps in removing pigmentation on skin and lighten the complexion with regular use. Yoghurt is a natural lightening agent which contains lactic acid, a natural bleach. It is also an excellent moisturizer that adds suppleness to your skin.

Here's how to use Besan and yoghurt to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Besan – 2 tbsp
Yoghurt – 1 tbsp
Some water to mix well

How to Prepare and Use?

Combine besan with yoghurt to make a smooth paste
If needed, add some water for a better spread
Now apply this paste evenly on the affected regions of your skin
Leave It for 20-30 minutes
Using wet fingers, scrub the area well in circular motions
Rinse the remaining product and pat dry
Repeat this treatment every 2-3 days to experience good results

3. Baking Soda and Water:

Baking Soda is an excellent remedy to whiten dark neck caused by Acanthosis Nigricans. Baking soda exfoliates the surface layer of the skin and removes tanned, pigmented cells in the process. It is also a skin-lightening agent which can improve the complexion of the affected regions. Since baking soda comes in a powder form, adding a little water can tone down the potency and also allows for easy application on the skin.

Here's how to use Baking Soda to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Baking Soda – 2 tbsp
Water – 2-3 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Mix baking soda with equal parts of water and make it into a smooth paste
Apply this paste evenly on the affected regions of your skin
Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes
Rinse off with water and pat dry
Use this treatment once a week for best results

Caution: Baking soda is a harsh ingredient and can trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive or broken skin. If you experience any issues, rinse the pack immediately and consult a doctor.

4. Oatmeal and Milk:

Another tried and tested home remedy for dark neck caused by Acanthosis Nigricans is Oatmeal and Milk scrub. Oatmeal works by removing the dead cells on the skin with its exfoliant properties to reveal fresher, lighter skin from underneath. Milk has lactic acid which lightens the pigmentation on the skin and improves its complexion. In addition, the hydrating properties of milk soften the affected regions of the skin to diminish the presence of wrinkles or folds.

Here's how to use Oatmeal and Milk to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Oatmeal – ¼ Cup
Warm Milk – ¼ Cup
Water - Little

How to Prepare and Use?

Soak oatmeal in an equal quantity of warm milk until it softens
Add water to make the mixture into a smooth paste
Apply this paste on the affected regions of your skin
Allow it to dry for 20-30 minutes
Use wet fingers to scrub the region gently
Rinse the product with water and pat dry
Use this treatment twice a week for best results

5. Potato and Lemon Juice:

Potato and lemon juice is an excellent home remedy to treat dark and pigmented neck caused by Acanthosis Nigricans. Potato is renowned for its skin-lightening properties thanks to an enzyme called Catecholate. This agent works as a bleach on your skin to lighten dark spots and pigmentation. In addition, adding lemon juice can increase the overall effectiveness due to Vitamin C, an anti-pigmentation and anti-oxidant agent.

Here's how to use Potato and Lemon Juice to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Raw Potato paste – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Grate a raw potato or make a smooth paste of it in a blender
Add some lemon juice to this paste
Apply this paste evenly on the affected regions of skin
Rinse the product with water and pat dry
Use this treatment twice a week for best results

6. Sugar and Honey Scrub:

The combination of sugar and honey makes for an excellent remedy to treat black, velvety neck caused due to Acanthosis Nigricans. Sugar is a natural exfoliant that gently buffs away dead cells, leaving your skin soft and lighter-toned. On the other hand, honey can lighten your skin by removing pigmentation. An enzyme called glucose oxidase present in honey produces a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide due to breakdown of sugars. These properties of honey and sugar help in removing dark patches on the skin.

Here's how to use Honey and Sugar to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Honey – 2 tbsp
Sugar – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Mix honey and sugar to form a coarse paste
Apply this paste on the affected regions of skin
Gently scrub the skin using circular motions for 2-3 minutes
Leave the pack on the skin for 10-15 minutes
Rinse with water and pat dry
Apply two to three times a week for best results

7. Tomato and Yoghurt:

Tomato and Yoghurt pack is one of the best home remedies to treat Acanthosis Nigricans related dark neck. Tomato contains many enzymes that have skin-lightening properties. These agents penetrate deep into the skin layers to remove pigmented cells and improve the overall complexion. Yoghurt contains natural bleaching properties which help in removing the pigmented patches from skin.

Here's how to use Tomato and Yoghurt to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Raw Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp
Yoghurt – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Mix yoghurt with raw tomato paste
Apply this mixture on the affected regions of your skin
Allow it to work for 20-30 minutes
Once dry, rinse with water and pat dry
Apply two to three times a week for best results

8. Orange Peel Powder and Milk:

Orange peel powder is a natural remedy to get rid of the dark neck caused due to Acanthosis Nigricans. Orange peel powder, prepared by powdering dry orange peels, contains many antioxidants and AHA's. These agents help in improving the appearance and texture of the skin with their nourishing properties. On the other hand, milk enhances the skin-lightening benefits of orange peel powder to help you achieve faster results.

Here's how to use Orange Peel powder and Milk to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Orange Peel Powder – 2 tbsp
Milk – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Make a smooth paste with orange peel powder and milk
Apply this mixture to the affected regions of your skin
Allow it to work for 20-30 minutes
Once dry, rinse with water and pat dry
Apply twice a week for best results

9. Turmeric and Milk Cream (Malai):

Turmeric or Haldi is a popular remedy for removing dark neck caused due to Acanthosis Nigricans. Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants which can reduce the appearance of dark patches and wrinkled folds on the skin. Adding some milk cream or malai can significantly improve the skin's condition due to its deeply moisturizing properties. Milk cream also works like a mild bleach to lighten the pigmented areas of skin.

Here's how to use turmeric and milk cream to treat Acanthosis Nigricans:

Ingredients:

Turmeric Powder – 2 tbsp
Milk Cream – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Make a smooth paste with turmeric and milk cream
Apply this mixture to the affected regions of your skin
Allow it to work for 20-30 minutes
Once dry, rinse with water and pat dry
Apply thrice a week for best results

10. Papaya and Honey:

Papaya works like an effective home remedy for treating black neck due to Acanthosis Nigricans. Papaya contains an enzyme-like Papain that lightens dark patches to remove pigmentation. Papain also works like an exfoliant and a skin repairing agent to improve the overall appearance of skin. Honey enhances these benefits of Papaya to give you better outcomes.

Ingredients:

Papaya Paste – 2 tbsp
Honey – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare and Use?

Mix papaya paste with honey to make a smooth paste
Apply this mixture to the affected regions of your skin
Allow it to work for 20-30 minutes
Once dry, rinse with water and pat dry
Apply every alternate for best results

Those are some of the best home remedies to treat Acanthosis Nigricans symptoms like dark neck, velvety skin etc. Remember that these methods are natural and will take time to work. Using them along with medicated creams or lotions will speed up the results for you. However, it is always better to check with a doctor before trying them out!

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It's important to consult with a doctor before following the information in the article.