FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What symptoms are usually associated with Acanthosis Nigricans?

1. Severe itching

2. Mild pruritus possible

3. Intense pain

4. Numbness

The correct answer is: Mild pruritus possible

Acanthosis Nigricans is characterized primarily by a velvety thickening of the skin, often found in body folds such as the neck, armpits, and groin. The condition is associated with insulin resistance and can be a marker for conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mild pruritus, or itching, can occasionally be noted with Acanthosis Nigricans, but it is not a primary symptom. In many cases, patients may not report any itchiness at all. The presence of mild pruritus aligns with the skin changes but does not dominate the clinical picture. Symptoms like severe itching, intense pain, or numbness are not typical of Acanthosis Nigricans. Severe itching can suggest other dermatological conditions, and intense pain or numbness could indicate neurological issues or more acute inflammatory processes, which are not characteristic of Acanthosis Nigricans. Thus, the choice that highlights mild pruritus captures the most relevant symptom associated with this condition.