Have you begun to develop small, black or brown spots on your face, neck, upper back and chest? This could be a common form of seborrheic keratosis called dermatosis papulosa nigra. While dermatosis papulosa nigra growths are entirely harmless, some patients choose to have them removed for personal aesthetic reasons. At River Region Dermatology & Laser, we’re proud to offer our patients a comprehensive selection of dermatosis papulosa nigra removal options.
Located in Montgomery, Alabama, River Region Dermatology & Laser is dedicated to providing all of our patients with the dermatological care they need to look and feel their absolute best. If you’d like more information about our practice or are interested in scheduling a consultation appointment, contact us today!
What is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
Dermatosis papulosa nigra are small, firm, black or dark brown papules that are medically harmless. These growths can either be raised or flat. While they most commonly form on the face and neck, they can also occur on the upper back and chest.
These growths affect about 35% of African Americans, but can also form on individuals of Asian and Polynesian descent. While these features are more common in women than men, they can develop in both of the sexes. They typically begin to form in adolescence and increase in both number and size as affected individuals grow older.
What Causes them to Form?
Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a form of seborrheic keratosis, one of the most common noncancerous skin growths that develop in older adults. While the exact cause of dermatosis papulosa nigra is unknown, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic component of these growths is thought to be fairly strong; between forty and fifty percent of people affected by dermatosis papulosa nigra have a family history of the lesions.
Can Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra be Removed?
Generally, we recommend that patients leave dermatosis papulosa nigra lesions alone. Removing them can cause the darkening or lightening of the skin, as well as the formation of scars and keloids.
However, all of us at River Region Dermatology & Laser know that it can be difficult to live with these growths if you find them to be cosmetically embarrassing. That’s why we’re proud to offer our patients a variety of treatments to eliminate these growths and have the healthy, clear skin they desire.
Before having a dermatosis papulosa nigra growth removed, patients must first schedule a consultation appointment with our practice’s board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Porcia Love. During this appointment, Dr. Love will examine your skin growths and help decide which removal method is right for you.
Interested in learning more about our dermatosis papulosa nigra removal procedures or having your growths examined by a trained medical professional? Contact River Region Dermatology & Laser today to schedule a consultation appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
