Maitim na Batok? Why It Happens and What To Do

One of the most common physical traits Filipinos joke about is having a maitim na batok – a darkened nape area often linked to poor hygiene or “not being maputi enough.” But really, a dark neck isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It’s not a flaw and not a measure of your worth or cleanliness either.

So, let’s set the record straight. According to science, here’s why having a dark neck is perfectly normal – and nothing to be ashamed of.

Having a maitim na batok or a dark neck can be embarrassing because people assume poor hygiene causes it. The truth is, various factors can cause a dark neck – and not scrubbing or hilod, as Filipinos call it, is the least of them.

A maitim na batok could primarily be caused by a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by dark and dry patches of skin commonly on the neck, armpits, and groin. According to the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS), this type of darkened skin is usually thicker and has a velvet-like texture. Dark skin patches appear gradually without other symptoms, except for occasional itching in some cases.

While the darkening of skin in itself is harmless, its cause may not be. The most common culprit of acanthosis nigricans is being overweight. Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, or a hormonal issue, such as an underactive thyroid gland, and the use of contraceptives, could also be reasons. On rare occasions, it is a sign of cancer, or sometimes, it’s merely genetic.

But you could get acanthosis nigricans even if you’re healthy. It's most common in people with dark skin. The NHS recommends seeing a doctor if you develop new dark patches of skin, as this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

If you've wondered, “How can I reduce neck darkening naturally?” Know that no amount of scrubbing can make maitim na batok caused by acanthosis nigricans go away. Therefore, don’t try to physically slough it off or use exfoliating acids to encourage the skin to peel. This will only worsen and damage your skin.

Instead, with the help of your doctor, find the underlying cause and zero in on treating that. Some doctors may recommend weight loss to alleviate the symptoms.

A 2018 study by the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that using topical retinoids or tretinoin treatments improved the appearance of skin in 14 days, and total clearance of dark patches in 80 percent of patients in 16 weeks. However, these patients relapsed, and dark patches reappeared four weeks after discontinuing the treatment.

Still, care for your skin as usual to keep it in tip-top condition. Focus on keeping your skin moisturized to soften it and protect the skin barrier. Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Overnight Radiance Repair contains Amino Peptide Complex and Serum Burst Technology to help revitalize skin overnight.

To help even out your skin tone, try Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Bright, which brightens with GlutaGlow technology, Hyaluron, and Pro-retinol.

For topical maitim na batok treatments, it’s always wise to consult your dermatologist first. If dark patches persist, spread, or come with other symptoms, it’s a clear sign to get checked.

Whether it’s maitim na batok or dark, thick, velvety patches elsewhere on the body, seeing a doctor promptly can help rule out any underlying conditions. Don’t be embarrassed – it’s not your fault. Addressing it early can reduce symptoms and help you feel more confident in your skin.