Skin Conditions in Obese Children: Should You worry?

Posted by dermcareonline on February 26, 2010 under acanthosis nigricans, diabetes, obesity | Be the First to Comment

The first lady Michelle Obama has taken on the issue of fighting childhood obesity. She has already launched the nationwide “Let’s Move” campaign to target educating parents on nutrition and exercise, improving the quality of food in the schools, increasing physical activity, and making healthier foods more affordable. Obesity in American children is a serious problem and on the rise.

Some children and adults who are overweight, develop a condition called acanthosis nigricans on their skin. It appears like a thickened dark velvety patch around the neck and between the breasts. It is now well known that acanthosis nigricans is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance has been found in up to 90% of youth with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Youth with type 2 diabetes are also at risk for heart disease, hyertension and abnormal blood lipid levels. You can safely draw the conclusion that an obese adolescent with acanthosis nigricans needs aggressive screening and intervention to prevent diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Some reports reveal that 1 in every 5 (20%) of african american and latino youths are overweight. Many of them have acanthosis nigricans on the neck and between the breasts. That means that a large portion of this population will eventually develop serious and complicated medical issues. Diabetes can lead to vision impairment, amputation of limbs, dialysis. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and leg ulcers.

As Mrs. Obama proposes, aggressive education and intervention at an early age is critical for keeping our children healthy for the future.