Brief Answer: Rule out acanthosis nigricans Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for the query. There are some microdermabrasion treatments and also laser treatments by dermatology that may be feasible; however, the first thing that needs to be ruled out would be that such discoloration is not associated with a secondary process; the most common association would be that of diabetes, so specifically that should be ruled out with a blood test (eg. Hemoglobin A1c). If the dermatologist thinks that the discoloration is consistent with acanthosis, the first thing to be tested for is indeed diabetes. Hope this helps, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic Cardiology

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