DERMATOSIS PAPULOSA NIGRA - DPN



Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra - DPN for Hamilton, Grimsby and Stoney Creek

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

  • Are tiny 1 mm to 3 mm areas of thickened skin which can develop anywhere on the skin's surface
  • Are commonly known by their short form "DPN"
  • Are NOT cancerous and NEVER develop into a skin cancer
  • May be brown or black in colour and may be flat or raised
  • Are NOT due to diet or sun damage
  • Often appear as the skin matures
  • Are NOT contagious
  • May get gradually larger with time and do not disappear spontaneously
  • Are most commonly seen in people with Asian or African ancestry
  • Are a type of Seborrheic Keratosis, which is a harmless spot that appears as the skin matures

Treatment:

  • The treatment that I prefer is electrocautery which is a tiny electrical instrument
    • The treatments 'sting'
    • The area treated may remain sore for 1 to 2 hours
    • The treatment turns the spots grey-white in colour, or produces crusts or small scabs. This is normal
    • You should apply an antibiotic ointment nightly to the treated areas until they are healed
    • A bandage is not necessary
  • There is no cream at this time that will remove dermatosis papulosa nigra
  • Treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra is not covered by OHIP or private health insurance

What if you are interested to learn more?

For your convenience, the services above are available in my office.


If you would like to learn more:

  • Please click on the underlined links above
  • E-Mail Us
  • Or give us a call at 905-549-1025