thick layer of darker skin over regular skin

My African-American daughter's legs are covered in a layer of thick darker skin that peels off, revealing her natural skin color underneath. Peeling off this layer is tedious and annoying to my disabled daughter. She started to get  patches of this on her arms and neck, but we were able to get rid of them before they thickened with rubbing alcohol. But what is on her legs is very thick and rubbing alcohol has no affect. What is this and how can we get rid of it from her legs?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such symptoms hyperkeratotic papules and acanthosis nigricans should also be ruled out. Acanthosis nigricans presents as symmetrical, hyperpigmented, velvety plaques mostly in the folds of skin. It is not itchy and is characterized by hyperpigmentation. My sincere advice is to consult a dermatologist. The other possibility is of Addison’s disease.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.