Dermatosis papulosa nigra
Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a condition of many small, benign skin lesions on the face, a condition generally presenting on dark-skinned individuals.[1]:638–9 DPN is extremely common, affecting up to 30% of Black people in the US.[2] From a histological perspective, DPN resembles seborrheic keratoses. The condition may be cosmetically undesirable to some patients.
They should not be confused for Leser-Trélat sign, a sudden explosion of lesions due to a growing tumor.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of DPN is unknown. Evidence of family history may suggest a genetic propensity.
Mortality/Morbidity
DPN is benign and not associated with any mortality or morbidity.
Epidemiology
DPN affects up to 35% of the African American population in the USA[3] Insufficient data is available on the international frequency of DPN. Lesions generally emerge during puberty, increasing steadily in number and size as an individual ages. Black people with a fair complexion have the lowest frequency of involvement. DPN also occurs among Asians, although the exact incidence is unknown. Females are affected more frequently than males. Dermatosis papulosa nigra generally emerges in adolescence and is rarely in persons younger than 7 years[4] The incidence, size and number of lesions of DPN increases with age.
Treatment
DPN lesions are benign and no treatment generally is indicated unless lesions are cosmetically undesirable. Surgical options including curettage, cryotherapy and laser therapy are options [5] Scarring, postoperative skin discoloration or keloid formation are potential complication. Therefore, conservative dpn treatment is advisable.
Prognosis
DPN is not a premalignant condition nor is it associated with any underlying systemic disease, thus, the prognosis for patients is excellent.[2] DPN lesions show no tendency to regress spontaneously, and often increase in size and quantity as an individual ages.
See also
References
- ↑ Odom, Richard B.; Davidsohn, Israel; James, William D.; Henry, John Bernard; Berger, Timothy G.; Clinical diagnosis by laboratory methods; Dirk M. Elston (2006). Andrews' diseases of the skin: clinical dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- 1 2 Grimes PE, Arora S, Minus HR, Kenney JA Jr. Dermatosis papulosa nigra. Cutis. Oct 1983;32(4):385-6, 392.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Babapour R, Leach J, Levy H. Dermatosis papulosa nigra in a young child. Pediatr Dermatol. Dec 1993;10(4):356-8.
- ↑ 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.