Brown or darker spots

I was wondering what would cause darker skin spots... for instance, my nuckles on my hands are darker than the rest of my skin. Also, in my armpits and my inner arm opposite my elbow as well as my inner thighs where they rub together. The skin has become darker and has a slightly tougher texture than the rest of my skin which is normally very soft.

I have an American Indian, French and Scottish heritage. As a child I had olive skin tone and in the sun a lot. I tan rather easily despite being fair skinned. As an adult (27) I am rarely in the sun for purposes of "tanning."

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mary:

It sounds like the condition you describe is called acanthosis nigricans.  In English this means, "thick darkening."  The color comes from extra layers of skin cells, not melanin pigment.  It therefore has nothing much to do with skin type, ethnicity, or sun.

The three major causes are: 1)heredity; 2) overweight or hormone imbalances; 3) internal problems.  #3 is really only an issue in those who develop the problem for the first time over the age of 50.

My advice is to make one viit to a dermatologist to pin down the diagnosis, and if you want it, to offer treatment options to minimize the apearance.

Best.

Dr. R