Geneneralised Idiopathic Acanthosis Nigricans- A Severe Presentation in a Nigerian Girl

Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by hyperpigmented and velvety verrucous plaques observed as symmetric eruptions. We report a 22 year old girl with generalized idiopathic acanthosis nigricans with no family history, who presented with hyperpigmented, hypertrophic and symmetric verrucous lesions at the flexor surfaces of the upper extremities, neck, face, trunk, back and the axillary region. Onset of symptoms started at 10 years and had gradually and steadily increased over a 12 year period. Result of the histopathologic analysis of the punch biopsy of the skin lesions was reported as acanthosis nigricans. Patient was of a normal weight and a thorough screening for internal malignancy was negative. In conclusion, Acanthosis Nigricans though rare can be severe even in benign cases.