Seborrheic Keratosis – Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a type of Seborrheic Keratosis that occurs in patients with darker skin types and Asians and is very commonly encountered in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology clinics.  Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra typically begins in adolescence as small black macules which become papular with time.  The cheek area is most commonly affected, but Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra can progress to involve the periorbital area, neck and chest.  Histologically, Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra appears identical to Seborrheic Keratoses.  Treatment involves lightly freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen or electrodessication and curettage.  It is very important that patients understand the Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra lesions may resolve with pigmentary changes such as hyper or hypopigmentation.