Dark Neck Patches Signal More Than Dirt: Doctors Warn of Hidden Health Risks

• Dark patches on the neck or armpits, known as Acanthosis Nigricans, are often mistaken for poor hygiene or tanning.
• Doctors, like Dr. Sunita Sayamagaru, observe these patches frequently, even in seemingly thin individuals who may have abdominal obesity.
• Acanthosis Nigricans is a key indicator of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
• Excess insulin overstimulates skin cells and pigments, leading to thickened, dark skin patches, as explained by Dr. Sayajirao Gaikwad.
• Lifestyle changes such as a low-carb diet, high protein, healthy fats, weight loss, resistance training, and adequate sleep can help manage insulin resistance.

Why It Matters: Dark skin patches on the neck are a crucial early warning sign of underlying insulin resistance and metabolic issues.