Aa
Arm pit bruise
Hi I have a dark mark under my armpit which has been there for at least 4 months looks like a black bruise but have not injured the area. It is not sore and has never changed colour could it just be discolouration of the tissue. I am otherwise healthy have not lost weight and do not have any pain in the area am going through menapause.
Thanks for your response I am a little worried of what sinister thing it may be as I am not overweight and have never had high sugar levels. Am not on medication of any kind except mulivitamins and glucosimine. Off to the doctor next week may be the best thing to do.
This may be Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). AN is a skin disorder that causes velvety, light brown to black markings that can occur in any location but are mainly found in the skin folds such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
The most common cause of AN is insulin resistance. Conditions associated with AN include type 2 diabetes, obesity, PCOS, Cushing's Disease, and hypothyroidism. In some cases, AN is inherited. Certain medications such as oral contraceptives and large doses of niacin (vitamin B3) can be a cause. Rarely, acanthosis nigricans is associated with certain types of cancer, usually a gastric adenocarcinoma.
The most common cause of AN is insulin resistance. Conditions associated with AN include type 2 diabetes, obesity, PCOS, Cushing's Disease, and hypothyroidism. In some cases, AN is inherited. Certain medications such as oral contraceptives and large doses of niacin (vitamin B3) can be a cause. Rarely, acanthosis nigricans is associated with certain types of cancer, usually a gastric adenocarcinoma.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Women's Health Community
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.
