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 (DPN):

  • Are tiny 1 mm to 3 mm areas of thickened skin which can develop anywhere on the skin's surface, but are most common on the face, neck and upper chest.
  • Are commonly known by their short form "DPN".
  • Are NOT cancerous.
  • 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.
  • Are not warts.
  • Are not caused by a virus.
  • 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:

  • Electrocautery:

    • DPN are treated with a fine electrical instrument (electrocautery) which feels hot to touch.
    • The treatment stings.
    • Discomfort is temporary.
    • The DPN turn into small crusts or scabs which fall off after about 1 week.
    • There is no bleeding.
    • Stitches are not necessary.
    • Bandages are not necessary.
    • For 1 week after the procedure, apply a small amount of antibiotic cream daily.
    • After the procedure you may bathe normally.
    • During the healing phase, the crusts or scabs will fall off spontaneously.
    • The treated areas will gradually fade.
    • After the removal, there may be a residual white mark, this is very rare.  
    • There is a chance that the treated spots could grow back. 
    • It is much more likely for new DPN to develop. There is no way to prevent this.


  • 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.
  • A referral from a doctor is required to make an appointment.

What if you are interested to learn more?

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


What if you are interested to learn more?


If you would like to learn more:

  • E-Mail Us
  • Or give us a call at 905-549-1025