Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra: symptoms, causes and treatment | Tibot
TibotSkin ProblemBenign TumorsDermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous condition common among blacks. It is usually characterized by multiple, small, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic papules on the face and neck of adult blacks. Histologically, dermatosis papulosa nigra resembles seborrheic keratoses. The condition may be cosmetically undesirable to some patients.

It is a harmless skin condition. They range in size from 1 to 5 millimeters.  While some people only develop a few bumps, others have many. Sometimes the lesions have small flaps attached that look like skin tags. These are called peduncles.

While the bumps usually pop up on face and neck, might also notice them on upper back or chest.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra usually starts during adolescence. As people get older, the bumps tend to grow bigger and increase in number.

This condition occurs most frequently in blacks(About 35%) and dark-skinned Asians. Fair-skinned blacks are less likely to develop dermatosis papulosa nigra than dark-skinned blacks. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men. The spots generally appear after puberty and grow in size and number with age.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra is characterized by multiple, firm, smooth, dark brown to black, flattened papules that measure 1-5 mm in diameter. Lesions occur mainly on the malar area of the face and the forehead, although they also may be found on the neck, upper back, and chest. A small percentage of patients have similar lesions on the upper trunk.

The cause of dermatosis papulosa nigra is unknown. However, the darker skin is, the more likely are to develop it. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is likely to be genetically determined, with 40-54% of patients having a family history of involvement. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is caused by a nevoid developmental defect of the pilosebaceous follicle.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra is harmless and doesn’t require treatment. However, if the bumps become itchy or don’t like their appearance, there are a few options for removing them.

Surgical removal:

In some cases, the bumps caused by Dermatosis papulosa nigra can be surgically removed through the following techniques, which are usually done with topical anesthesia:

  • Curettage. This involves scraping away the bumps with a small scooping instrument.
  • Electrcautery. This involves using a small probe with an electric current to burn away the bumps.
  • Cryosurgery. This involves freezing off the bumps using liquid nitrogen.

Remember that these treatments may leave scarring. They also won’t stop new bumps from appearing.

Laser treatments:

Laser therapy uses different frequencies and levels of light to remove growths. Several types can help to remove or reduce the appearance of Dermatosis papulosa nigra growths, including:

  • Carbon-dioxide laser. This type of laser therapy was a safe and effective option for Dermatosis papulosa nigra with a low chance of recurrence.
  • Long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet lasers (Nd:YAG lasers). Nd:YAG laser therapy provided around 75 percent improvement in the number of bumps and their sizes. Results were best after doing two sessions.
  • KTP laser. This method uses a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystal along with a Nd:YAG laser.

Work with healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for the size of bumps and skin type.

In cosmetic purpose, need to visit a doctor. Doctor will suggest removal procedure. After procedure, patient may need some medication.

  • Oxford hand Book of medical Dermatology
  • Clinical Dermatology
  • Andrew’s Diseases of the skin
TibotSkin ProblemBenign TumorsDermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

TUI - Tibot Urgency Index

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous condition common among blacks. It is usually characterized by multiple, small, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic papules on the face and neck of adult blacks. Histologically, dermatosis papulosa nigra resembles seborrheic keratoses. The condition may be cosmetically undesirable to some patients.

It is a harmless skin condition. They range in size from 1 to 5 millimeters.  While some people only develop a few bumps, others have many. Sometimes the lesions have small flaps attached that look like skin tags. These are called peduncles.

While the bumps usually pop up on face and neck, might also notice them on upper back or chest.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra usually starts during adolescence. As people get older, the bumps tend to grow bigger and increase in number.

This condition occurs most frequently in blacks(About 35%) and dark-skinned Asians. Fair-skinned blacks are less likely to develop dermatosis papulosa nigra than dark-skinned blacks. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men. The spots generally appear after puberty and grow in size and number with age.

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Dr. Lora Smith

MBBS (Dhaka), DGO (DU) Ex SR. Gynaecologist & Obstetrician

09 606 111 222

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