Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Author: Dr Amy Prideaux
Chief Editor: Dr Daniel Keith
Macrosopic view of multiple Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, seen in Fitzpatrick Skin Type 6.
Macroscopic Appearance
Essentially tiny Seborrheic Keratosis!
This is a very common benign skin condition affecting people with Fitzpatrick Skin Types 3-6. They are multiple, small pigmented papules which range between 1-5mm in size, can be brown or black, and often occur on the face or neck. They are often mistaken for moles.
They tend to appear around the time of puberty, and increase in number with age. They are of no concern to general health, although they can be cosmetically challenging for some patients.
They are a common variant of the more widely known seborrheic keratosis, and resemble this under the microscope and dermatoscope.
Dermoscopic Appearance
Dermoscopic view of a Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, seen in Fitzpatrick Skin Type 6. Due to their small size it can be difficult to make out some of the fine details, but here the cerebriform appearance (also described in seborrheic keratosis) can be seen nicely.
Other features of seborrheic keratosis, including milia like cysts and comedo like openings may also be seen.
