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J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2020 Feb 1;13(2):17-19. Epub 2020 Feb 1.

All authors are with the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a skin condition characterized by pigmented sessile and pedunculated papules on the body, particularly on the face and other sun-exposed areas, that can cause cosmetic disfigurement and varying degrees of distress and psychosocial concern among patients. We sought to evaluate the effect of DPN on quality of life (QoL). A 39-item questionnaire was administered to 50 African-American (AA) adults, 48 women and two men, with an average age of 51. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2020 Jan 28. Epub 2020 Jan 28.

Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.

Background: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is characterized by the presence of multiple, small, hyperpigmented, warty papules affecting the face, neck, and trunk that bear to histological semblance to seborrheic keratosis. Although the lesions are benign tumors, they can cause distress for cosmetic reasons.

Objective: We, herein, report the cases of three female Japanese patients (mean age, 46 years) with DPN who were treated using a carbon dioxide (CO ) laser with a computerized scanner. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2020 Jun 22;45(4):521-523. Epub 2019 Oct 22.

Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2019 Oct;99(37):2903-2906

Department of Dermatology, Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310002, China.

To analyze and summarize the clinical-pathological features of dermatosis papulosa nigra of Han Chinese people. We collected 71 cases of dermatosis papulosa nigra in the Third people's Hospital of Hangzhou Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University of Department of Dermatology from January 2010 to January 2019 which were confirmed clinically and pathologically. The clinical and histopathological data of all patients were analyzed and summarized, and relevant literature were reviewed. Read More

F1000Res 2019 28;8. Epub 2019 Aug 28.

Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Städtisches Klinikum Dresden, Dresden, 01067, Germany.

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common benign epidermal tumor with predominance in adult patients. Whereas common SKs are more frequent in Caucasians, dermatosis papulosa nigra is more prevalent in patients with a Fitzpatrick skin type of at least 3. There seems to be a link between extrinsic skin aging and the occurrence of SK. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2019 Feb 28;18(1):301-302. Epub 2018 May 28.

Skin Disease Centre, Nashik, India.

Pigmented transverse nasal band (PTNB) is an interesting morphological entity mainly of cosmetic concern. It is believed to be related to a defect in the development of the nasal cartilages and bones from childhood to adolescence. Some patients may have genetic predisposition. Read More

Clin Dermatol 2017 Sep - Oct;35(5):491-496. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, and the Jefferson Center for International Dermatology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra was first described by Aldo Castellani (1874-1971) more than 90 years ago, and it has since been presumed to be a variant of seborrheic keratosis. Despite their morphologic similarities both macroscopically and microscopically, key differences have yet to be explained. These lesions also exhibit different demographics, with dermatosis papulosa nigra having a predilection for dark-skinned individuals and a female predominance. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2017 Oct 28;42(7):803-805. Epub 2017 Aug 28.

Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, New Victoria Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.

Int J Dermatol 2017 Sep 8;56(9):957-960. Epub 2017 May 8.

Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, India.

Background: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous condition which commonly occurs in dark-skinned people, especially Asians and African Americans. Owing to its benign nature and rarity, very few studies have been conducted to date, and dermoscopic studies are practically nonexistent.

Objectives: To study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) and to correlate the clinical findings with dermoscopic and histopathological findings in DPN. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2016 Nov-Dec;61(6):622-627

Department of Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

Background: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the most common benign epidermal tumor of the skin. Even though SK has been well characterized clinically, dermoscopically, and histopathologically, data regarding clinical dermoscopic and histopathological correlation of different types of SK are inadequate.

Aim: We carried out this study to establish any correlation between the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological appearance of SK and its variants. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2017 Mar-Apr;83(2):205-211

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Background: There are few population-based studies on prevalence of cutaneous problems in diabetes mellitus.

Aims: To identify skin problems associated with diabetes mellitus among elderly persons in a village in Kerala.

Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional survey, we compared the prevalence of skin problems among 287 elderly diabetics (aged 65 years or more) with 275 randomly selected elderly persons without diabetes mellitus. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2016 Apr 11;31(3):593-5. Epub 2016 Feb 11.

Laser Unit, Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Manchester, M6 8HD, UK.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a common condition of pigmented skin. Whilst lesions are benign, they may be symptomatic or cosmetically disfiguring. Ablative lasers have previously been reported as a useful therapeutic modality in DPN. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2016 May 17;174(5):1148-50. Epub 2016 Feb 17.

St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 4HT, U.K.

Indian J Dermatol 2015 May-Jun;60(3):321

Department of Pathology, Goztepe Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a group of superficial, benign papules commonly in African-American and Asian persons. DPN is considered to be a form of seborrheic keratosis with a specific localization and it is less frequently described in the white population. Treatment modalities include cryosurgery, curettage, electrosurgery, shave removal, and different laser treatment. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Apr;32(2):123-35

Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5939 Harry Hines Boulevard #300, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.

Facial hyperpigmentation is common and challenging to treat in darker-skinned populations. A Medline literature search of articles published up to October 2013 reporting the objective assessment of and/or treatment for melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, dermatosis papulosa nigra, lichen planus pigmentosus, and erythema dyschromicum perstans was reviewed. Objective assessment was only reported for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Read More

An Bras Dermatol 2014 Jan-Feb;89(1):11-25

Rio Grande do Sul Federal University, Child and Adolescent Health Sciences Post Graduation Program, Porto AlegreRS, Brazil, MD, Dermatologist, PhD (in course) at the Child and Adolescent Health Sciences Post Graduation Program at Rio Grande do Sul Federal University (UFRGS) - Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil.

Cutaneous hyperpigmentations are frequent complaints, motivating around 8.5% of all dermatological consultations in our country. They can be congenital, with different patterns of inheritance, or acquired in consequence of skin problems, systemic diseases or secondary to environmental factors. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2014 Jun 18;16(3):114-6. Epub 2013 Nov 18.

Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Florence , Florence , Italy.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a common skin condition observed in black people and considered a benign epithelial tumor, and more specifically, a particular topographic form of seborrheic keratosis. We treated five female patients affected by DPN with 10,600-nm CO2 laser. We propose the 10,600-nm CO2 laser as a valid therapeutic option in patients affected by DPN, since the treatment is well tolerated, causes no major side effects, and is effective and long lasting. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2013 Jun;87(12):859-65

Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Several skin conditions are more common in persons with skin of color, including dermatosis papulosa nigra, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, and keloids. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a common benign condition characterized by skin lesions that do not require treatment, although several options are available for removal to address cosmetic concerns. Pseudofolliculitis barbae occurs as a result of hair removal. Read More

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2011 Jul-Aug;77(4):483-8

Department of Dermatology and STD, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India.

Background: Even though seborrheic keratoses (SK) have been well characterized clinically and histopathologically, data regarding clinical and dermoscopic correlation of different types of SK are inadequate.

Aims: We carried out a study to establish any correlation between the clinical and dermoscopic appearance of SK and its variants.

Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in the Department of Dermatology, a tertiary care institute, from August 2008 to June 2010. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2011 May 14;37(5):572-95. Epub 2011 Apr 14.

Suzanne Bruce and Associates, Houston, Texas, USA.

Background: Pigmented lesions include solar lentigines, seborrheic keratoses, dermatosis papulosa nigra, ephelides, café-au-lait macules, nevus spilus, Becker's nevus, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, nevocellular nevi, congenital nevi, junctional and compound melanocytic nevi, nevus of Ota and Ito, Hori's nevus, and blue nevi. Advances in laser technology have resulted in the ability to treat pigmented lesions with greater safety and efficacy.

Objective: To review the literature on the use of cutaneous laser treatments for pigmented lesions using Medline. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2011 Mar 17;64(3 Suppl):S30-5. Epub 2011 Jan 17.

College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA.

Background: Removal of dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) lesions results in superficial cutaneous wounds that are frequently treated with topical antibiotic ointments. We hypothesize that antibiotics are not necessary for effective and safe healing of such wounds.

Objective: This study compared the wound healing efficacy and safety of the skin protectant Aquaphor Healing Ointment (AHO) (Beiersdorf Inc, Wilton, CT) and Polysporin first-aid ointment (Poly/Bac) (polymyxin B sulfate/bacitracin zinc) (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) after removal of DPN lesions. Read More

Skinmed 2010 Jul-Aug;8(4):207-9

National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, Via di San Gallicano 25/a Roma, Italy.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign epithelial tumor that is common in dark-skinned people. Although the diagnosis is easily made on medical examination, DPN is characterized by a chronic and worsening course. Therefore, even if DPN is a benign disease, the lesions are unaesthetic and the therapeutic options are quite inefficient. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2010 Dec 11;36(12):1968-72. Epub 2010 Oct 11.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA.

Background: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a common variant of seborrheic keratoses in darkly pigmented individuals. Treatment options include cryosurgery, curettage, electrosurgery, and shave removal.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and complications of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy for the treatment of DPN with those of curettage and electrodesiccation. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2010 Mar 1;162(3):508-12. Epub 2009 Sep 1.

Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Background: Stucco keratosis (STK) and dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) are referred to as variants of seborrhoeic keratosis. However, the genetic alterations involved in the pathogenesis of these benign tumours are unknown.

Objectives: Because FGFR3 and PIK3CA mutations have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of seborrhoeic keratosis, we analysed whether these mutations are also present in STK and DPN. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2009 Nov 1;35(11):1840-3. Epub 2009 Oct 1.

DermSurgery Associates, Houston, Texas, USA.

Dermatol Surg 2009 Jul 15;35(7):1079-83. Epub 2009 May 15.

Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Background: There is a lack of randomized split-face studies investigating treatments for dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) in dark skin.

Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser with efficacy, safety, and tolerability of electrodesiccation in the treatment of DPN in subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV to VI.

Methods: Fourteen subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV to VI were randomized to receive two KTP laser treatments 4 weeks apart to half of the face. Read More

J Cutan Med Surg 2008 Sep-Oct;12(5):203-10

Micheal G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 1P3, Canada.

Background: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is one of the more common benign epidermal neoplasms seen in adult and middle-aged patients.

Objective: As little is written in the literature about the variants of SK, this article aims to categorize and discuss the different subtypes and their important associations.

Methods: An in-depth literature search using OVID Medline and PubMed was conducted to classify the various subtypes of SK. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2008 Jun;10(2):120-2

Division of Dermatology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a chronic skin condition characterized by verrucous hyperpigmented papules on the face, neck and upper trunk in African American patients. The lesions are more common in females and in older patients. Although the lesions are benign, treatment is often sought for cosmetic reasons. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2007 Oct;46 Suppl 1:45-7

Department of Dermatology, Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal.

Background: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign epithelial tumour, common in the black population. It is a special topographic form of ethnic seborrheic keratosis, which is more common in the white population. Its benign character has meant that very few studies have been performed. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2007 Feb;46(2):186-7

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.

A 42-year-old black woman presented with dermatosis papulosa nigra lesions of 15 years' duration. Coincident with the diagnosis of symptomatic iron-deficiency anemia about 1 year ago, she reported an "explosion" in number and size of the lesions progressing from her face to her trunk and arms. Physical examination revealed numerous 1-5-mm, black, smooth, verrucous papules predominantly on the forehead, malar region of the face, neck, and upper trunk (Figs 1 and 2). Read More

Dermatol Surg 2006 Jan;32(1):1-6

Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA.

Background: Liposomal lidocaine 4% (L.M.X. Read More

Bull Soc Pathol Exot 2003 Jan;96(5):394-400

Service de dermatologie, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Alphonse Laveran, 13998 Marseille, France.

The analysis shows that apart from the relative hyperpigmentation of the "black" skin (genetically determined and variable according to ethnic group, age, sex and solar exposure), which determines the secondary dyschromic reactions to the majority of the dermatosis, and, except the differences of frequency of diseases related especially to geographical or epidemiologic determinisms, there is no true specificity although some entities are little or not described on "white" skin (dermatosis papulosa nigra, acral punctuated hyperkeratosis, progressive macular hypomelanosis of the trunk, acne keloidalis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, aïnhum... Read More

Int J Dermatol 2003 Apr;42(4):287-9

Musgrave Medical Centre, Kingston, Jamaica.

Background: There is a scarcity of recent up-to-date studies on the incidence of skin disease among Afro-Caribbeans.

Methods: One thousand patients were retrospectively studied for the commonest diagnoses made over a 5-month period from January to May 2001.

Results: The commonest skin diseases seen were acne vulgaris (29. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 1993 Dec;10(4):356-8

New York Medical College, Department of Dermatology, Lincoln Hospital, Bronx 10451.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra was diagnosed in a 3-year-old black boy. This follicular nevoid condition, which is common in adult blacks, is seldom diagnosed in prepubescent children. The diagnosis was confirmed by the biopsy specimen that showed features of epidermal acanthosis and papillomatosis, similar to seborrheic keratosis. Read More

Dermatol Monatsschr 1987 ;173(5):264-7

J Fr Ophtalmol 1984 ;7(5):411-2

Ann Dermatol Venereol 1984 ;111(11):1013-5

Int J Dermatol 1983 Dec;22(10):590-2

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a disorder commonly encountered in the adult black population. We describe 20 cases of clinicopathologically confirmed DPN cases treated with light abrasive curettage without local anesthesia. We found this procedure to be an effective therapy, which did not cause postoperative scarring or significant postoperative pigmentary change. Read More

Cutis 1983 Oct;32(4):385-6, 392

The incidence and natural history of dermatosis papulosa nigra was assessed in eighty-two black patients. The overall incidence in the study population was 77 percent, with a predominance in women of almost 2:1. Fifty-four percent of these patients reported that other members of their families were also affected. Read More

Ala J Med Sci 1980 Jan;17(1):49-50

Arch Belg Dermatol 1973 Oct-Dec;29(4):321-5

Lyon Med 1971 Apr;225(7):599-603

Dermatologica 1968 ;136(5):441

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1967 Jun;111(24):1080-3

Arch Ital Sci Med Trop Parassitol 1966 Mar-Apr;47(3):101-3

Arch Dermatol 1964 May;89:655-8

Sem Hop 1964 Mar;40:786-91

Dermatol Trop Ecol Geogr 1964 Jan-Mar;35:55-63

Bull Soc Fr Dermatol Syphiligr 1963 Sep-Oct;70:535-7