Dermatosis papulosa nigra

The lesions of dermatosis papulosa nigra are dark papules of usually less than 2 mm diameter, that can be diffuse on the malar, preauricular, and forehead skin.

Histologically, there are similarities with seborrheic keratoses.

First described in African-Americans, similar lesions are common in Asians and dark-skinned Caucasians.

Treatment:

• Lesions respond well to electrofulguration and to the Q-switched ruby or carbon dioxide lasers.
• Treatment must be gentle to avoid post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

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