Family History of Acanthosis Nigricans
Sometimes, acanthosis nigricans is passed on to generations. When it is hereditary, it means the condition is caused by an inherited genetic factor from one’s parents or other family members. In most cases, hereditary acanthosis nigricans regresses or stabilizes even without treatment.
What does it mean to inherit a condition? Hereditary conditions, which run in families, are conditions inherited through one’s genetic makeup. As experts unlocked the secrets of the human genome or the complete set of human genes, they discovered that nearly all health conditions have a genetic component. Somehow, passed-on genes or genetic mutations from parent to child may have something to do with the disorder. That’s why it is a standard process in any diagnosis interview to be asked if anyone in the family experienced the same symptoms patients are complaining about. A medical professional must rule out genetic causes before proceeding to other possible causes.
Unlike in other genetic conditions, inheriting acanthosis nigricans is not as grave unless, of course, it comes with inherited diabetes or a family history of diabetes.
