Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Pic credit: Wikipedia, photo taken by John Matthew Smith celebrity photos (https://www.flickr.com/people/36277035@N06)
What is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra”(DPN)?
What are the symptoms of dermatosis papulosa nigra?
- Dark coloured papules that are symptomless
- They tend to occur on face, neck, chest and back
- Some people have just a few, others have many
- Generally not painful and don’t cause any physical discomfort
- DPN is non-cancerous and not linked to any cancer
- DPN presents as multiple, small 1-5mm diameter spots on the face and neck that are smooth and firm often flat but sometimes raised.
- The papules are generally black or brown.
- Typically, the condition starts in adolescence with the number of spots and size of the spots tending to increase with age.
- Family history and genetics of DPN increase the risk.
How is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra diagnosed?
What is the treatment for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
“Perceptions of the spots are highly subjective too. While some people find them annoying and just want them removed, celebrities such as Morgan Freeman is often known and admired for his charisma and good looks – of which DPN is all a part of!,” says Dr Parisa.
“In decades past many people did not treat these lesions as complications included increased or decreased risk of new pigmentation issues, along with scarring and keloid formation (a firm, smooth, hard growth that occurs as a result of excessive scarring. However modern treatments tend to be far less problematic,”
says Parisa.
How effective is laser – and which laser is for me?
-
Dr Parisa says for people who wish to treat DPN for cosmetic reasons,
-
Co2 laser can completely remove DPN
-
At Aurora Dermatology, we prioritise the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser treatment for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN). This advanced laser technology enables precise removal of DPN lesions, resulting in excellent cosmetic outcomes with minimal risk of scarring.
-
By utilising the CO₂ laser’s precision, each lesion is accurately targeted, ensuring thorough removal while preserving the surrounding healthy skin. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic outcome but also minimises the likelihood of recurrence. Therefore, for patients seeking treatment for DPN, CO₂ laser therapy is our preferred choice, offering a balance of efficacy and safety.
-
Other treatment choices include freezing with liquid nitrogen, electrosurgery (where the heat is applied to remove the lesion)
-
Dr Parisa will take a thorough history and perform a skin assessment in the initial consult to decide which treatment is the most effective for your skin type.
What are the side effects of laser treatment for DPN?
-
Clinical studies suggest laser is relative safe for DPN, however rare side effects may include changes in skin pigmentation, while more commonly there may be temporary redness, or swelling.
“Wearing sunscreen every time you leave the house is vital post laser, and avoiding the sun for more than a few minutes a day as much as possible in those post-treatment first four weeks will help prevent complications.
“Some people who are prone to cold sores, may need to take an anti-viral before the treatment to avoid cold sores after the treatment.
“Overall though, many patients report high satisfaction rates with the cosmetic appearance post laser treatment and it requires very little downtime, with just a few days of redness with CO2, and even less with other lasers.”
