Suggest Treatment For Dark Patches On Underarms And Neck

Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, i am having dark patches in my underarms and neck also the marks of my innerwear's streps are visible on my shoulder. Can you advise any cream or any othe treatment by which this can be removed.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I seek more clarity and preferably an Image

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

I would like to gather more information from you in order to be able to guide you better.

-Are the patches all round your neck like a band? and underarms?
-Does the affected skin in this region appears thick and has velvety texture to it?
-Can you upload an Image of the affected area on neck so that I am able to guide you better?

Acanthosis nigricans usually presents with dark, thick, velvety textured skin in neck and axillary folds.
It is more common in overweight individuals and is due to insulin resistance that comes with being overweight.

Dark patches in underarms can also be due to recurrent fungal infections in this region.

-I would like to know whether do you have itching in underarm region?

Regarding, marks of straps they are most likely hyperpigmentation due to rubbing against skin.
I would suggest a topical moderately potent steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream Or mometasone furoate 0.1% cream for twice daily use, for strap marks..

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar