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Dark Patch On Both Sides Of Cheeks. I'm Overweight, Hispanic. Reasons For The Patch?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Jul 2012
Question: I have a dark patch on both sides of my cheeks they start around my eye and go towards the cheeks I have looked everywhere online but can't find anyone with something similar I checked an diabetic pics can't find anyone with something similar online I have seen it in public and is usually on overweight black people I am overweight hispanic
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)
Hello and thanks for the query.
Your symptoms point towards two conditions which should be explored.
These are 
Melasma/chloasma
Acanthiosis nigricans

Melasma/chloasma is a patchy brown or dark brown skin discoloration that usually occurs on face and may result from hormonal changes, as in pregnancy and during the administration of estrogen containing oral contraceptives.
  Chloasma usually affects women but occasionally is seen in young men who use after-shave lotions, scented soaps, and other toiletries.

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be related to medical problems. Some cases are genetically inherited. The condition is most commonly seen among people of African descent, in part because it is easier to see in darker skin.

Obesity can lead to acanthosis nigricans, as can some endocrine disorders. It is often found in people with obesity-related diabetes.
Sometimes people with lymphoma or cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts can also develop severe cases of acanthosis nigricans.
You must consult a dermatologist and get the required investigations done to get to the diagnosis.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any other query.
Thanks and best of luck.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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Dark Patch On Both Sides Of Cheeks. I'm Overweight, Hispanic. Reasons For The Patch?

Hello and thanks for the query.
Your symptoms point towards two conditions which should be explored.
These are 
Melasma/chloasma
Acanthiosis nigricans

Melasma/chloasma is a patchy brown or dark brown skin discoloration that usually occurs on face and may result from hormonal changes, as in pregnancy and during the administration of estrogen containing oral contraceptives.
  Chloasma usually affects women but occasionally is seen in young men who use after-shave lotions, scented soaps, and other toiletries.

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder in which there is darker, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases.
Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be related to medical problems. Some cases are genetically inherited. The condition is most commonly seen among people of African descent, in part because it is easier to see in darker skin.

Obesity can lead to acanthosis nigricans, as can some endocrine disorders. It is often found in people with obesity-related diabetes.
Sometimes people with lymphoma or cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts can also develop severe cases of acanthosis nigricans.
You must consult a dermatologist and get the required investigations done to get to the diagnosis.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any other query.
Thanks and best of luck.