Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) removal: Q&A with dermatologist Dr Dray

TL;DR

DPNs are benign skin growths that occur on the face, particularly in black and Asian individuals, with no known cause or cure.

Transcript

well hey guys welcome back to the Friday QA so as you can tell from the title and thumbnail of today's video I'm going to be talking about a skin condition that I get many questions on and that is Dermot OSes papule OSA our DP ends if you're not familiar with DP ends I will attempt to insert a photo here of what they typically look like these are s... Read More

Key Insights

• ◾ DPNs are benign skin growths that appear as small brown to black spots on the face, neck, and body.
• 💨 They are not dangerous or cancerous, but they do not go away on their own.
• 🖤 DPNs are more common in black and Asian individuals and tend to be a cosmetic concern.
• 😱 There is no known cause for DPNs, and no creams or remedies can effectively treat or prevent them.
• 🥶 Procedural-based treatments, such as excision, shaving, freezing, electro desiccation, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing, can be used to remove DPNs.
• 🧑‍🏭 The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the individual's preferences, skin type, budget, and the number of DPNs.
• 📔 Insurance typically does not cover the cost of DPN removal procedures, as they are considered cosmetic issues.

Questions & Answers

Q: What causes DPNs to occur?

The cause of DPNs is currently unknown, and there is no known method to prevent their occurrence or stop them from multiplying.

Q: Can over-the-counter creams or remedies help with DPNs?

No, there are no creams or remedies that can effectively treat or prevent DPNs. Online remedies may result in skin damage or scarring.

Q: What are the treatment options for DPNs?

Treatment options for DPNs include snip excision, shaving, freezing with liquid nitrogen, electro desiccation, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. The choice depends on the individual's preferences, skin type, and budget.

Q: Will insurance cover the cost of DPN removal procedures?

Since DPNs are considered a cosmetic issue, insurance typically does not cover the cost of their removal, and individuals will need to pay out of pocket.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• DPNs are small brown to black spots that commonly appear on the face and can also occur on the neck and body.

• They are similar to seborrheic keratoses, another benign skin condition, and are more common in black and Asian individuals.

• DPNs are not dangerous but do not go away on their own and require procedural treatment to remove.