Echinodermosis nigricans is characterized by hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis and verrucous hyperplasia. Almost all acanthosis nigricans is accompanied by different degrees of insulin resistance, and the probability of developing diabetes is much higher than that of ordinary people.
Studies have found that this is mainly related to hyperinsulinemia in obese children. Insulin can promote the proliferation of tissues and cells, especially at high concentrations. Insulin not only binds to the classical insulin receptor, but also binds to the insulin-like growth factor receptor. Spine cells and fibroblasts of human skin contain these two receptors. Therefore, high concentration of insulin can stimulate the overgrowth of acanthocytes and fibroblasts in the skin, which leads to the characteristic skin changes of acanthosis nigricans. Therefore, acanthosis nigricans is a skin marker of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.