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Have you ever come across dark patches of skin at the back of your or your relative\u2019s neck?
\n![\"user](\"https:\/\/www.rosepharmacy.com\/ph1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/1.jpg\")
\nThat\u2019s probably not just regular dirt that you can get washed off with soap or persistent scrubbing, that might be what they call \u2018Acanthosis Nigricans\u2019, which is an early symptom of diabetes.
\nRecently, a Twitter user who\u2019s also a medical doctor with the username @fiezanizmohamed has shared the info with the public about those dark patches.
\n\u201cTry looking out for the dark patches like these on the back of the necks of your children, siblings, or friends. This isn\u2019t a mere accumulation of dead skin cells, this is acanthosis nigricans, one of the early signs of getting diabetes!\u201d tweeted Dr. Hafizah.
\nShe further explained that this can\u2019t simply be scrubbed off and to check the blood sugar levels in your body.
\nWhat is Acanthosis Nigricans?<\/b>
\nAcanthosis 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.
\nThese skin changes usually happen to people who are obese or have diabetes.
\nChildren who have this skin condition, especially if they\u2019re obese, are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes (diabetes caused by dietary causes, not hereditary).
\nAlso 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.
\nThe dark patches associated with this condition are usually \u2018velvety\u2019 and have hairy features. They will not disappear even with rigorous scrubbing. Hence, marks could also be present.
\nApart from the back of the neck, it can also show symptoms on the armpits.
\n![\"user](\"https:\/\/www.therakyatpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/S_0318_Acanthosis_nigricans_C0373908.width-1534-1024x682.jpg\")
\nMoreover, Acanthosis shouldn\u2019t be itchy. If it starts off being itchy and leaves bruises on your skin, that might be eczema, not the said condition.
\nOne curious Twitter user asked, \u201cHow to get our own blood sugar level reading? Do we have to go to the clinic too?\u201d
\nSome netizens replied to her aid explaining that you can get the machine at pharmacies or you can just go to pharmacies and ask them for a blood sugar test, in which they will charge you a certain amount.
\n![\"user](\"https:\/\/www.therakyatpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/COMMENTS-BLOOD-SUGAR-TEST.jpg\")
\nOne Dark Neck, Many Possible Causes<\/b>
\nAnother concerned netizen added that the picture Dr. Hafizah shared also could be caused by a different condition called \u2018Terra Firma-Forme Dermatosis\u2019 (TFFD).
\nIt is a benign skin condition that presents itself with brown to black plaques, similar to dirty skin. If the condition is confirmed to be TFFD, gentle swabbing with 70% isopropyl alcohol can solve the problem.
\nShe further attached a journal article on TFFD for any further clarifications for interested netizens.
\n![\"user](\"https:\/\/www.therakyatpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/TFFD.jpg\")
\nHence people, do take note of the changes in your children\u2019s skins or yours, especially if the changes appear suddenly.
\nFor further detail and confirmation, do consult with your nearest general practitioner.
\nYou can get more credible information such as the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment with a check-up.<\/p>\n