A dark patch on the cheek, a brown square on your thigh, a black section on your neck What are those swarthy badges and how do you get rid of them?

Those black patches, or acanthosis nigricans, as theyre called in medical circles, could result from insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance occurs when the normal amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas is not able to enter the body cells where it is needed. So, to maintain a normal blood glucose level, the pancreas secretes more insulin.

Sometimes, when the bodys cells resist or do not respond to these higher levels of insulin, glucose builds up in the blood. This causes high blood glucose or type 2 diabetes.

Even people with diabetes who take oral medication or require insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels can have higher than normal blood insulin levels due to insulin resistance.

Acanthosis nigricans occurs most frequently among overweight individuals battling insulin resistance. The easiest way to begin removing the dark patches is to safely begin losing weight.

Meanwhile, you can resort to skin lightening creams that contain retinols or hydroxy acids. But, the patches will not go away permanently until you have resolved your insulin resistance issues.

In rare cases, Acanthosis nigricans could be the result of cancer. If you are not overweight and still experience Acanthosis nigricans, you should see a physician.