Dark Skin Surrounding Horizontal Crease/Line above Abdomen (added picture)

Hello, Dr. Bhupinder Kaur - For about two years now, I have a horizontal line/crease above my abdomen, (when sitting down the skin folds and makes a crease, it only does it when sitting down…)

Previously it was just a line/crease, there was no dark skin surrounding it, only sometimes.  

Now recently it always has dark skin surrounding the crease/line.   I never really paid much attention to it until now, because it stays darker than usual and doesn’t go away.

I’m not sure why I have this, or what it could be caused by?

Here’s a picture: http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8117/darkline.jpg

You can also view the photo in my profile. (I uploaded it.)

Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The horizontal line on the stomach seems like due to acanthosis nigricans. The appearance of acanthosis nigricans varies from thickened, velvety brown streaking to leathery plaques mostly in the folds of skin. It is not itchy and is characterized by hyperpigmentation. Obesity, insulin resistance and atherosclerotic patches in the blood vessels are related to it. There is no specific treatment for this and the treatment is directed at ruling out the underlying cause. My advice would be to get it evaluated from a dermatologist and then get an examination done by a physician to confirm the underlying cause.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[TheStig]

Thanks so much for your reply.   I’m going to schedule an appointment this week to visit my dermatologist.   I will update this thread with what my dermatologist says it is.

Hopefully it’s not due to cancer…   Could allergies to mold cause Acanthosis Nigricans?

Thanks again, Dave.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The definitive cause for acanthosis nigricans has not yet been ascertained but it is not associated with mold exposure. It can be due to obesity, insulin resistance, autoimmune disease and other systemic diseases. My advice would be to consult a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.