From the Research
Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign skin condition that can be effectively treated with laser therapy, which has become a safe and efficacious option, especially for patients with skin of color, as reported in a systematic review published in 2021 1.
Overview of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is characterized by small, dark, raised lesions that commonly appear on the face, neck, and upper chest, primarily in individuals with darker skin tones. These lesions are essentially a variant of seborrheic keratoses and are completely harmless, though they may cause cosmetic concerns.
Treatment Options
No treatment is necessary for medical reasons, but if removal is desired for cosmetic purposes, several options exist. These include:
- Electrosurgery (using electric current to destroy the lesions)
- Cryotherapy (freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen)
- Curettage (scraping off the lesions)
- Laser therapy, which has been shown to be effective in treating DPN with minimal risk of complications, as demonstrated in a study published in 2020 2
Considerations for Treatment
Each method carries a small risk of temporary or permanent hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), which can be more noticeable in darker skin tones. For this reason, a test spot treatment is often recommended before treating multiple lesions. The choice of treatment should consider the patient's skin type, the location and number of lesions, and the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option, as discussed in a systematic review published in 2025 3.
Recommendations
Laser therapy is a recommended treatment option for DPN, especially for patients with skin of color, due to its efficacy and safety profile, as supported by recent studies 3, 1. It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of treatment and to consider the individual patient's preferences and needs when selecting a treatment option.