Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a common skin condition characterized by well-defined, small black or brown skin lesions—or papules—1-5mm in diameter. Most commonly found on the face, neck, and upper back, these skin growths on the epidermis are benign, meaning they are not a sign or symptom of an underlying disease or condition. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra hyperpigmentation has the highest incidence in Skin of Color, specifically patients with dark skin (Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI) of African American, Pacific Islander, South American, and Asian descent. While DPN is completely harmless, some patients may find that they are dissatisfied with the appearance of these skin lesions cosmetically. In that case, the best option for treating DPN hyperpigmentation is to seek medical advice by scheduling a consultation with an expert board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, in NYC.
Several treatment options are available for reducing the appearance of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra on the skin’s surface. For the best results, seeking an experienced dermatologist to choose safe and effective in-office procedures for your skin type is essential. DPN primarily affects patients with dark skin, for whom skin-lightening treatments can cause damage to the skin’s surface, including permanent scarring and discoloration. Dr. Green is an expert in treating patients of all skin types and knows what treatments to choose to reduce the appearance of DPN without damaging patients with skin of color. Depending on the location, size, and texture of the DPN lesion, Dr. Green will choose between several treatment options, including curettage, electrodesiccation, laser therapy, or cryotherapy.
Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women worldwide with the best non-invasive cosmetic treatment options, including chemical peels, laser treatment, and prescription topical creams for many skin concerns, including papules, cysts, uneven skin texture, and hyperpigmentation. She is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC by Castle Connolly, the New York Times, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green in her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office for your DPN treatment, she will work with you to create a customized approach that includes a unique combination of in-office cosmetic procedures and specially formulated topical products best suited to your specific needs and goals.
What is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)?
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous skin condition, meaning that it affects the surface of the skin but is not an indication of any underlying health concern. Characterized by small black, brown, or skin-colored lesions, DPN is often considered a variant of seborrheic keratoses, a common skin condition characterized by oval-shaped, waxy skin lesions that appear over time. However, DPN and seborrheic keratoses differ in several key ways: while seborrheic keratoses most commonly affect patients with lighter skin (Fitzpatrick skin types I and II), DPN most commonly affects patients with darker skin (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI). Various studies have demonstrated that the condition’s incidence is between 10% and 75% in patients with darker skin tones, with as many as one-third of all Black Americans affected by the skin lesions. Additionally, seborrheic keratosis is characterized by a waxy, scaly texture. On the other hand, DPN lesions are often smooth without crusting or ulceration (breaks in the skin). Seborrheic keratoses can be found all over the body, whereas DPN papules are most commonly found on the face, specifically the cheeks and forehead, but can also be found on the neck and upper back.
What causes Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
Patients often ask, “What is the cause of dermatosis papulosa?” The cause of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is not yet known. However, researchers have found some correlation between the incidence of DPN and family history, sun exposure, and mutations of the FGFR3 gene. One study demonstrated that 77-93% of patients with DPN had a family history of the condition (Int J Dermatol. 2017 Sep;56(9):957-960). The link to the mutation of the FGFR3 gene present in some DPN lesions may also support the hypothesis that there is a genetic link to the incidence of the skin condition. Researchers also hypothesize that since DPN skin lesions are most commonly found in areas most exposed to the sun’s UV rays (face, neck, upper back, and chest), sun exposure and UV radiation may be risk factors in developing the condition. One study found that patients who used skin-lightening creams to address areas of hyperpigmentation were more likely to develop DPN skin lesions due to the reduction in UV protection. Another study found that Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra was twice as common in women than in men.
How to get rid of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Patients often wonder, “How to remove dermatosis papulosa nigra.” DPN is a common skin condition that is not dangerous or indicative of any underlying health condition and, for that reason, is often left untreated. If patients do not like the appearance of the skin lesions aesthetically, they will need to seek treatment from an expert dermatologist, as the lesions will not go away on their own. The best first step for removing DPN lesions is to schedule an initial consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green will begin by examining the treatment area. Typically, Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra can be diagnosed clinically, but if there is any question, a biopsy can be performed to study the histology of the lesion. Once the skin lesion has been diagnosed, Dr. Green will recommend the best treatment option to meet your specific needs.
How to treat Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
There are many different treatment options for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, including through electrodesiccation (cauterizing), excision (cutting), curettage (scraping), cryotherapy or cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), Nd: Yag lasers, Carbon-Dioxide Laser, and Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP) Laser Therapy. The first step in treating Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Dr. Green will assess your medical history and skin concerns, diagnose the DPN lesions, and recommend the best options for treatment.
Electrodesiccation, often called electrocautery, is one of the most effective treatment options for eliminating DPNs. It uses an electric current to burn and destroy the lesions. The procedure is quick and effortless — one hour before your appointment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the lesions to reduce discomfort during the procedure. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s private Upper East Side dermatology office, the area will be cleaned and prepped for treatment. Dr. Green will treat each DPN with an electric needle to cauterize the lesion. There is little downtime associated with electrodesiccation, and a small scab may form in the treatment area. Aquaphor should be applied to the site twice to three times daily to keep the area moisturized. The scabs will fall off within a week, leaving clear, healthy skin. Unlike other types of DPN removal, electrodesiccation involves no risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation and can be performed on all skin tones, including patients with darker skin. Electrodesiccation will permanently eliminate the treated DPNs but will not prevent new ones from forming. Patients can return for another treatment whenever new DPNs form to keep their skin clear and radiant.
How to remove DPN from the face naturally at home
Patients sometimes wonder, “How to remove DPN from the face naturally.” Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra skin lesions will not disappear on their own, and, as such, patients will need to seek treatment to eliminate them. The best treatment option for DPN is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, who can properly diagnose the condition and prescribe a topical solution or in-office treatment. Typically, treatment involves lightening areas of hyperpigmentation, which can be dangerous for patients to do on their own. Certain skin-lightening creams have ingredients that can harm patients with skin of color, leaving permanent damage like scarring, hyperpigmentation, or loss of pigmentation. Skin-lightening creams acquired online or over the counter (mainly when acquired outside the United States) pose an even greater risk as these products are not always thoroughly tested or FDA-approved.
How to prevent Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
While the exact cause of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is not known, there is a correlation between the areas that are more likely to develop DPN lesions and the areas that are most often exposed to the sun. As such, one way to possibly prevent the development of DPN skin lesions is to practice strict sun protection. Dr. Green recommends that all patients apply SPF 50 or higher sunscreen daily as part of their regular skincare routine and reapply every two hours if outside. Even if you do not often get sunburn, UV rays can still cause damage to the skin, so always wearing sun protection outside is essential.
What is papulosquamous disorder?
“Papulosquamous Disorders” is an umbrella term for skin conditions characterized by the appearance of papules on the skin’s surface. Skin conditions often categorized under Papulosquamous Disorders include psoriasis, lichen planus, pityriasis rosea, and seborrheic keratoses. While they all exist on the same heading, these skin conditions are unrelated and have different causes and treatment options. Correct diagnosis of a papulosquamous disorder is essential for determining the treatment option that will be safest and most effective.
Where do papules come from?
Papules are defined as an area of raised skin less than 1 cm in diameter that can be pink, red, brown, black, or skin-colored. The texture of papules may vary from smooth and flat to dome-shaped. They can be caused by various skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, eczema, acne, seborrheic keratosis, and dermatosis papulosa nigra. When treating papules on the skin’s surface, it is essential to determine the cause of the papule, as each skin condition that can lead to the appearance of papules must be treated differently. To determine the cause of papules on your skin, schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
How to remove DPNs from the face today
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a common skin condition that primarily affects patients with Skin of Color, with nearly a third of all Black Americans experiencing DPN in their lifetime. The condition is characterized by small black or brown bumps on the face, neck, chest, and upper back that may begin to form in adolescence and continue to develop over time. While DPN skin lesions are benign, meaning they are not caused by an underlying health condition like skin cancer, they can cause some patients to feel self-conscious. Patients looking to eliminate the appearance of DPN lesions can look forward to having their DPNs permanently removed with little to no downtime or side effects. The best first step for treatment is to schedule a consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, who will determine the treatment option that will be safest and most effective for you.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to her patient’s unique concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find out the best Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra treatment option for you.