The beginning

Hi folks,

Annie here! A little about me: I am a 21 year old female who has, among other things, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) along with insulin resistance. One of my main symptoms that I have had for over a decade has been Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). Acanthosis Nigricans, as defined by our friends at google, is "a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases." I have had this, especially around the back and sides of my neck, since childhood, and it has also developed over the years in other areas. Specifically, it has developed under my arms, under my breasts, and in the upper thigh/groin area.

The goal of this blog is to chronicle my attempts to heal myself from this and achieve healthier, more normal looking skin. I will be doing this in several ways: reducing my carbohydrate intake; exercising; taking metformin, which is a drug to increase insulin sensitivity and help control blood sugar levels; and trying anything else that may work. I will use this blog as a food journal, photo diary, and as a general sounding board during this process. My hope is that not only will I be able to cure my Acanthosis Nigricans, but that I will show how you can too, and give hope to those who have this condition. I know it has made me self-conscious in many situations, and I would like to improve my confidence by reducing it or, hopefully getting rid of it to the best of my ability. We shall see how long it takes to clear up!