Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) refers to a skin condition characterised by the presence of small dark bumps or spots on the face and neck. The condition is common in people of African and Asian descent, and it is less common in people with lighter or fairer skin.

DPN is not usually dangerous to the body and can be left untreated. However, it is a good idea to seek an examination by a medical professional to ensure these pigmented spots are benign and not an indication of a different skin issue. In addition, some people may dislike the appearance of DPN and wish to remove these spots or bumps for cosmetic reasons.

In such cases, Dr Ed Omarjee consults with the patient about their skin concerns and potential treatment options. Book a consultation to learn more about Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra at The DOC Clinic.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) 1, Dr Ed Omarjee Melbourne

Symptoms of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

DPN is considered a benign skin condition, which means it is not dangerous and doesn’t cause any symptoms beyond skin appearance and texture. It is characterised by smooth, firm bumps on the skin that typically develop in sun-exposed areas such as the face and neck. Sometimes, they can also develop on the chest and back. They are often:

Black or a shade of dark brown
Elevated or protruding above the skin
Similar in size (can be larger in some people than others)
Symmetrical (for example, an even appearance across both cheeks)
Asymptomatic (meaning, they do not cause pain or irritation)

The condition does not go away by itself, which means some people may choose to seek treatment, although this is not medically necessary.

Causes

The exact causes of DPN are unclear; however, certain factors may affect the likelihood of their development. These factors include:

Ethnicity – People of African or Asian descent are more likely to develop DPN.
Complexion – There is less frequency of DPN among Africans with a fairer complexion. It is also more prevalent among people of Asian and Polynesian descent who have darker skin tones.
Sun exposure – The bumps more commonly appear in areas exposed to the sun, usually the face, neck, and chest.
Age and sex – Women are more likely to develop the condition than men, although men can develop DPN too. People with the condition may notice the bumps becoming larger with age.

There is believed to be a genetic component, as around 40 to 50 percent of patients have a family history of the condition. If you wish to find out whether you have DPN, you may consult with Dr Omarjee to seek a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of DPN

A proper diagnosis can only be obtained through a medical professional. Typically, Dr Omarjee may diagnose the condition by assessing your skin and identifying the features consistent with DPN. You may be asked questions about your skin and general health, such as: When did the spots first develop? Do they cause any irritation or pain? Have you undergone any skin treatments in the past?

If there is any doubt, a skin biopsy may be required. This can help to ensure that the spots on your skin are benign, meaning non-cancerous. Although DPN is a benign condition, it is possible to mistake a problematic or malignant skin spot for DPN, which would inhibit accurate treatment. In other words, proper diagnosis is important when treating any skin condition, as accuracy in diagnosis helps ensure the issue is treated appropriately.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) 2, The DOC Clinic Melbourne

How DPN is treated

Although DPN is not a medical problem and can go untreated, some patients may wish to treat the condition. This may be due to a dissatisfaction with the appearance or texture of these spots. You may seek treatment after getting an accurate diagnosis from a qualified practitioner who can guide you in choosing a suitable treatment option.

There are two main ways to treat DPN – surgery and laser treatments. Here are the most common treatment options available:

Laser: treatment that targets pigmented lesions
Ellman radiofrequency shave method: a technique that gently removes the mole layer by layer.
Cryotherapy: freezes the bumps with liquid nitrogen. This method carries a higher risk of scarring and post-treatment colour changes.

Each treatment approach has its pros and cons, which you can discuss with Dr Omarjee. For example, while Radiofrequency is quicker and may only involve one procedure, it requires more healing time and comes with the risk of mild scarring. Non-invasive treatments like laser, on the other hand, may reduce scarring and recovery times, but they may involve multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

The treatment you choose is ultimately your decision. However, it is advisable to hear the advice of Dr Omarjee who has experience treating a wide range of skin conditions using up-to-date methods. He takes care to minimize risks where possible whilst prioritising the patient’s desired outcomes. At your consultation, you may ask about the various treatment approaches and which would best suit your circumstances, goals, and skin characteristics.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN), treatment at The DOC Clinic Melbourne 3

Considerations

It is best to seek treatment only from a professionally trained practitioner such as Dr Omarjee. You should also understand the risks and potential aftercare involved before you proceed with your procedure. Risks can include scarring, keloid formation, infection, and hypopigmentation. Depending on the type of procedure, it may be necessary to undergo multiple treatment sessions.

Also dependent on the type of procedure is the aftercare guidelines you will need to follow, such as keeping the treated areas clean and dry. You might also be advised to keep your treated skin out of the sun and avoid using makeup or harsh skincare products. Additionally, consider the costs involved, which can be discussed during your consultation.

Your consultation with Dr Ed Omarjee

Consulting with a cosmetic physician is a good way to ensure your treatment is appropriate for your skin condition. It allows you and your physician to understand what your procedure might involve, the risks, and what can be achieved. Since DPN is typically only treated for cosmetic reasons, Dr Omarjee will endeavour to understand which areas bother you cosmetically and what can be realistically done to reduce their appearance.

For more information about DPN (Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra), book your consultation at The DOC Clinic.

Schedule a Consultation

To request a consultation or further information, complete the attached form and we will respond to you as soon as possible. You are welcome to upload images to assist with explaining your concern(s).

Appointments can be booked via our online booking portal.

The DOC East will be launching soon in 2025 More information to come!