Ashhar Alam

Dark patches on the neck or underarms are often mistaken for poor hygiene, but they can actually be a warning sign of underlying health problems. This condition, known as Acanthosis Nigricans, appears as velvety, thickened skin and can indicate issues like insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic disorders.

What your skin might be signaling

Dr Sayajirao Gaikwad, a homoeopathy specialist, explained that dark neck patches are not caused by dirt but by insulin resistance. When cells become resistant to insulin, the body produces more, which overstimulates skin cells and pigments, creating darkened patches.

“It’s an early indicator for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome,” he noted.

Dark Neck Isn’t Dirt
It’s Insulin Resistance

Acanthosis Nigricans, the dark velvety skin on the neck or underarms, isn’t about poor hygiene.
It’s one of the clearest external signs of insulin resistance.

When cells resist insulin, the body produces more of it.
Excess insulin… https://t.co/XPBlx7jQQA

— Dr.Sayajirao Gaikwad (@DietDrsayajirao) January 11, 2026

How to improve it
Scrubbing won’t solve the problem. Instead, focusing on lifestyle changes that lower insulin can help. Recommended steps include:

Following a low-carb, high-protein, healthy-fat diet

Achieving even modest weight loss (5–10%)

Resistance training and regular exercise

Ensuring adequate sleep

Tests to check for insulin resistance

some tests that can help identify insulin resistance are:

Fasting glucose

Want to check insulin resistance?
Tests that help :
~ Fasting glucose
~ HbA1c (3-month avg)
~ Fasting insulin → HOMA-IR
~ Lipid profile (↑TG, ↓HDL = 🚩
~ OGTT (sugar + insulin response)

Dark neck,belly fat,PCOS,fatty liver = clinical clues.

— Dr.Sayajirao Gaikwad (@DietDrsayajirao) January 11, 2026

HbA1c (average blood sugar over 3 months)

Fasting insulin → HOMA-IR

Lipid profile (high triglycerides, low HDL may indicate risk)

OGTT (glucose + insulin response)

ALSO READ: Yunus regime is supporting radicals in Bangladesh: Rokeya Prachi

Dr Gaikwad emphasizes that dark neck, excess belly fat, PCOS, or fatty liver are clinical clues to metabolic issues. Small, consistent lifestyle changes, like adding a protein-rich meal or a 30-minute walk daily can make a measurable difference in insulin levels.

Paying attention to subtle skin changes may reveal more than just cosmetic concerns, they could be an early warning for serious health conditions.