Advice on Acanthosis Nigricans

I definatley think you need to have him seen by a doctor, but just to let you know my daughter was given the same letter a couple of years ago and there is not a problem with her at all. Her doctor seemed to think that they must have sent school nurses to some sort of acanthosis nigricans conference or something. Apparently his officed had been swamped with kids who had been given the same letter. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. I don't know what kind of insurance you are referring to (state insurance) but you should be able to google that info. Good luck!

Yes, take him to the doctor. I'm not sure what state issued insurance is so I don't have a recommendation of who. If you mean CHIP or Medicaid, you can call the medicaid office and ask for a list of doctor accepting it.
I was a school nurse last year. School nurses are not going to AN conferences. They are each trained to screen for these markers just as they are to do vision/hearing screening and screen for scoliosis. It is a routine exam they are required to do by the state and most school nurses are going to be on the safe side and refer anyone who remotely appears to have the markers!!! The school nurse knows that most of the referrals she makes for students will be ignored by the parents and nothing will be done. That is one of the most frustrating things for the nurse. She is not making the referral just to cause you to have to do something else or make another appt for your child. She will be THRILLED to know that you care and have followed through on the referral. Good luck to you. If your child does have the markers they can be reversed or you can help your child avoid a later diagnosis of diabetes if you adjust their diet and level of activity. Diet, exercise, and weight loss are the main ways that this is controlled.

Hi D.! I work for a dermatologist who does accept state issued insurasnce. We see cases of acanthosis nigracans often. Please call if you'd like to schedule an appointment- ###-###-####.
Dr Basem Chaker, MD
12001 South Freeway suite 205
Burleson, TX 76028

(at Huguley Hospital on I35. 6 miles south of I20)

Yes. He needs to see a doctor. This pigmentation of the skin can be a sign of insulin resistance or diabetes. I had marks similar to these on my skin and was advised by the school nurse (I was a teacher at the time) to get looked at by a doctor. And although I am not diabetic it was discovered that my insulin levels were on the high side and needed to be monitored.