Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a harmless skin condition that causes small dark spots, especially on the face, in dark-skinned women. Treatment is often unnecessary, but removal is an option if the patient is distressed. There is a genetic component, and a doctor may do an exam to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin problems. Removing the spots can be risky and may cause scarring or infection, so doctors often recommend leaving them in place.
Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a benign skin condition common in dark-skinned women. People who have this condition develop small dark spots, especially around their faces, and may find them cosmetically distressing. This condition poses no health risk, although the bumps may sometimes become inflamed and itchy. The best treatment is often no treatment, unless the patient is experiencing distress, in which case a doctor may be able to remove the growths.
In dermatosis papulosa nigra, the patient develops a series of keratoses, small keratinized growths on the surface of the skin. They can vary in shape and size, but are generally small and may be flat or stand out. The spots are darker than the surrounding skin and can become quite noticeable. Patients can develop the condition at any age, and although the growths are usually concentrated around the face, they can appear elsewhere.
Skin changes can be a sign of concern, especially when they happen quickly or are accompanied by itching or burning sensations. When a patient appears to have dermatosis papulosa nigra, a doctor might do a thorough exam to confirm the diagnosis and make sure the spots are benign. If in doubt, your doctor may do a skin scraping for a pathologist to examine. Your doctor might also recommend simply removing a growth for exam; if it is malignant, the removal will already be cured.
There appears to be a genetic component to dermatosis papulosa nigra, because some families are more prone to it than others. For people who have a family history of the condition, it might be worth advising doctors about this, because this can help narrow down the diagnosis as quickly as possible. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is very common, but a doctor may have concerns about other skin problems if the patient does not appear to be a likely candidate for this condition.
It is possible to remove the spots, although the remaining skin may be damaged and there is a risk that the keratin growth may return. If a patient has concerns about dermatosis papulosa nigra spots, a doctor can evaluate them to determine if they are treatable. They may be completely removable, but the patient may have some scabs and scars during recovery. Doctors often recommend leaving the growths in place, because removing them can create a risk of infection, scarring, and other problems. It may be safer to let the growths remain.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
