Maitim na batok? Here’s what’s probably causing it and what you can do

First things first: ask why is it dark?

According to Dr. Jean Marquez, that's commonly a result of irritation — mostly from clothing, like collar rubbing your nape, or those sharp edges from clothing tags.

Once irritated, we scratch it, leading to a dark nape.

But there is also the condition called Acanthosis nigricans, a result of gaining weight or a symptom of other more serious medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, or polycystic ovaries.

“The skin is just a manifestation of what’s going on in the body,” Dr. Jean Marquez said in a recent episode of Pinoy MD.

According to Dr. Jean, a darkening of the nape is common among those with hypothyroid. “Hormones ang nagco-cause ng pangingitim at pangangapal ng skin,” she adds.

Acanthosis nigricans will have the skin feel like velvet. “Parang madulas.”

While cosmetic solutions are okay, it’s better to treat the medical condition that’s causing the maitim na batok.

Dr. Jean recommends not just seeing your dermatologist, but also an internist, who can give light to your medical condition. — LA, GMA News