FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

Which population is more likely to develop Acanthosis Nigricans?

1. Young adults in urban areas

2. Children and adolescents

3. Older adults in rural areas

4. Babies under one year

The correct answer is: Children and adolescents

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition characterized by darkened, velvety patches in body folds and creases. It is most commonly associated with insulin resistance and is often seen in individuals who are overweight or obese, particularly in children and adolescents. This age group is experiencing increased rates of obesity, which directly correlates with the development of insulin resistance and, subsequently, Acanthosis Nigricans. In younger populations, particularly those in their formative years, early signs of metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, can manifest through this skin condition. The prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic disorders in children and adolescents makes them particularly vulnerable to developing Acanthosis Nigricans. While adults and other populations can be affected, the combination of rising obesity rates and the metabolic changes accompanying adolescence makes children and adolescents the most likely demographic to exhibit this condition.