Dermatosis Papulosa NigraDermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Dermatosis papulosa nigra, usually shortened to DPN, is a benign condition that produces small, raised papules ranging from light to dark in color across the face and neck and, sometimes, the upper chest. It predominantly affects people with darker skin tones, with prevalence reaching as high as 35 percent among Black Americans, and is also common among people of Asian descent. Lesions typically begin appearing in adolescence and increase in number with age. They are harmless and require no medical treatment; most patients who pursue removal do so because of their appearance. The clinical difficulty is specific: skin prone to DPN is also prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so overly aggressive removal can replace a raised brown papule with a flat brown or hypopigmented mark. At Wall Street Dermatology, Dr. Julia Tzu removes DPN with electrodesiccation and cryotherapy, using deliberately conservative settings to reduce that risk. A session takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of lesions treated. Small scabs heal within about two weeks, and treated lesions are removed permanently.

4 min read · Last updated: 2026-02-08 · Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu , MD, FAAD, FACMS

• Dermatosis papulosa nigra affects up to 35% of Black Americans [1]
• DPN typically begins in adolescence and increases in number and size with age [2]
• Treatment complications can include increased or decreased pigmentation, scarring, and keloid formation [2]
• DPN is a benign condition that does not require treatment unless desired for cosmetic reasons [1]

• Small, round or oval light brown to black papules (bumps)
• Smooth or slightly rough texture
• Typically 1-5 millimeters in diameter
• Usually multiple lesions
• Common on cheeks, forehead, and around eyes
• May also appear on neck and upper chest
• Gradually increase in number with age
• Painless and non-itchy

• Raised dark spots on the face or neck that you would like removed
• Uncertainty about whether the spots are DPN or another growth, given how similar several of them look
• Lesions that have changed rapidly, bled, or otherwise look unlike the rest
• Interest in discussing removal with someone who treats the condition regularly in darker skin tones
• Growing lesion counts that are becoming harder to conceal
• A previous removal attempt at home or in a non-medical setting that left a mark

Have questions about dermatosis papulosa nigra? Our team is here to help.

• Genetic predisposition (often runs in families)
• Related to seborrheic keratosis family of growths
• Exact cause not fully understood
• Not caused by sun exposure, but sun exposure may contribute to development
• Not contagious

We offer a service to help manage this condition: DPN Removal .

• DPN lesions are completely benign
• No risk of transformation to cancer
• New lesions may continue to develop over time
• Treatment complications can include hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
• Scarring and keloid formation are possible risks, especially in darker skin
• Best outcomes with experienced practitioners familiar with treating darker skin

1. What are the symptoms of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
2. When should you seek care for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
3. What causes Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
4. How is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra treated?
5. Prognosis
6. FAQs
7. Sources

This article draws from 3 peer-reviewed sources.

• [1] NCBI – Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

• [2] DermNet NZ – Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
• [3] Skin Therapy Letter – DPN Treatment Review

Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu , MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-08-31