Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra 

  • Author: Mehran Nowfar-Rad, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 6, 2011
 

Background

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous condition common among blacks. It is usually characterized by multiple, small, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic papules on the face of adult blacks. Histologically, dermatosis papulosa nigra resembles seborrheic keratoses. The condition may be cosmetically undesirable to some patients.

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Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of dermatosis papulosa nigra is not known. The occasional positive family history may suggest a genetic propensity.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

Whereas earlier studies revealed a 10% frequency in adult blacks, more recent data suggest a frequency of approximately 35% in this population.

International

Data pertaining to the international frequency of dermatosis papulosa nigra are insufficient.

Mortality/Morbidity

Dermatosis papulosa nigra is not associated with any mortality or morbidity.

Race

Dermatosis papulosa nigra affects up to 35% of the African American population.[1] Blacks with a fair complexion have the lowest frequency of involvement.[2] Dermatosis papulosa nigra also occurs among Asians, although the exact incidence is unknown.

Sex

Females are affected more frequently than males.[2]

Age

Dermatosis papulosa nigra usually begins in adolescence and is rare in persons younger than 7 years.[3] The incidence of dermatosis papulosa nigra, as well as the number and size of individual lesions, increases with age.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Mehran Nowfar-Rad, MD  Consulting Physician, Division of Dermatology, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

Mehran Nowfar-Rad, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatopathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Frederick Fish, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, St Paul Ramsey Medical Center; Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota

Frederick Fish, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society of Dermatopathology, Pacific Dermatologic Association, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD  Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Vermont College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Division of Dermatology, Fletcher Allen Health Care

Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Dermatological Association, Dermatology Foundation, Medical Dermatology Society, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Edward F Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. Dunwell P, Rose A. Study of the skin disease spectrum occurring in an Afro-Caribbean population. Int J Dermatol. Apr 2003;42(4):287-9. [Medline].

  2. Grimes PE, Arora S, Minus HR, Kenney JA Jr. Dermatosis papulosa nigra. Cutis. Oct 1983;32(4):385-6, 392. [Medline].

  3. Babapour R, Leach J, Levy H. Dermatosis papulosa nigra in a young child. Pediatr Dermatol. Dec 1993;10(4):356-8. [Medline].

  4. Hairston MA Jr, Reed RJ, Derbes VJ. Dermatosis papulosa nigra. Arch Dermatol. May 1964;89:655-8. [Medline].

  5. Kauh YC, McDonald JW, Rapaport JA, Ruschak PJ, Luscombe HA. A surgical approach for dermatosis papulosa nigra. Int J Dermatol. Dec 1983;22(10):590-2. [Medline].

  6. Schweiger ES, Kwasniak L, Aires DJ. Treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser: report of two cases. J Cosmet Laser Ther. Jun 2008;10(2):120-2. [Medline].

  7. Carter EL, Coppola CA, Barsanti FA. A randomized, double-blind comparison of two topical anesthetic formulations prior to electrodesiccation of dermatosis papulosa nigra. Dermatol Surg. Jan 2006;32(1):1-6. [Medline].

  8. Andrews GC, et al. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1990:752.

  9. Elder D, et al. Lever's Histopathology of the Skin. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott-Raven; 1997:693.

  10. Moschella SL, Hurley HJ. Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 1992:2162-3.

  11. Rook A, Wilkinson DS, Ebling FJG. Textbook of Dermatology. Vol 2. Oxford, England: Blackwell Scientific; 1998:1660-1.

 
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