Prevalence and risk factors associated with acanthosis nigricans in primary school children

Background Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is characterized by pigmented velvety thickening of the intertriginous body areas and neck. Many studies linked it to metabolic syndrome. Aim To detect the prevalence of AN among primary school children and to identify the associated risk factors. Patients and methods We included 2060 primary school students who were selected from two rural and four urban schools. The data were collected by questionnaire sheets that were fulfilled from each student in which present and past history for any disease were taken. Results The prevalence of AN was 17.7% of all examined students, higher in females (18.6%) than males (16.3%), but it was not statistically significant. More than half of the students 55.0% were of normal weight, 23.3% were overweight, and 21.7% were obese. In the current study, 69.1% of obese children were having AN. Conclusions Regular dermatologic examination for early identification of AN is required. AN in the knuckles should be considered as a classic site and highly prevalent. It should be borne in mind that coordinated efforts of medical professional teams may be required aiming to correct the underlying disease to improve the skin symptoms. Strict follow-up of patients with AN for early detection and management of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.