Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
A common benign condition, mainly affecting people of African, Caribbean and Asian descent, producing multiple small dark brown to black papules on the cheeks, temples, neck and upper chest. It is considered a variant of seborrhoeic keratosis and increases with age.
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Quick Answer
Dermatosis papulosa nigra consists of small dark brown or black bumps, usually on the cheeks and temples of people with richly pigmented skin. It is a benign variant of seborrhoeic keratosis, tends to run in families and increases with age. No treatment is needed. If removal is wanted for cosmetic reasons, gentle electrodesiccation, curettage or laser by a practitioner experienced in skin of colour minimises pigment change.
Symptoms
- Multiple small dark brown to black papules, 1–5 mm
- Smooth or slightly warty surface
- Cheeks, temples, forehead, neck and upper chest
- Increase in number and size with age
- Asymptomatic, occasionally itchy or catching on clothing
Causes & Risk Factors
- Genetic predisposition — strong family history
- Skin of colour (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI)
- Ageing
- Possibly ultraviolet exposure
Treatment & Management
- No treatment required — the lesions are benign
- Light electrodesiccation or hyfrecation
- Curettage or fine snip excision
- Laser (KTP, Nd:YAG) by an experienced operator
- Careful technique and test spots to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a lesion grows quickly, bleeds, becomes itchy or sore, or looks different from your others — changes need assessment even in a benign condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove these at home?
No. Home removal in richly pigmented skin very commonly causes lasting dark marks or keloids. Removal should be done by a clinician experienced in treating skin of colour, ideally after a test spot.
Will they come back after removal?
Treated lesions do not usually return, but the underlying tendency continues, so new bumps typically appear over subsequent years.
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.