Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, or DPN, is when you have small brown or black spots around your cheekbones and eyes. Sometimes, you can find these spots on other parts of your face, neck, chest, and back. Some people might  have only a few spots, while others might have lots of them. The spots can be flat or hang off your skin like a little tag.

DPN are not harmful, like cancer, but they might make your skin itchy, irritated, or just not look the way you want it to. People often call them “moles,” but they are not exactly the same.

DPN commonly occurs in individuals with more deeply pigmented skin. Women are more likely affected. These spots usually show up after you become a teenager and they get bigger and more numerous as you get older.

What is the cause of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?

The cause of DPN is unknown.

How do I know if I have Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?

A dermatologist can usually tell if someone has DPN just by looking at their skin. Sometimes, they might take a tiny piece of skin to look at under a microscope to be sure.

How is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra treated?

Although DPN isn't dangerous, some people want to get rid of the spots because they don't like how they look. As you get older, the spots might get worse, and they won't go away on their own. If someone is thinking about getting treatment for DPN, they should think about what they want from the treatment. Treatment might not make the spots completely disappear, but it can make them less noticeable.

There are different treatments for DPN, like cutting them out with scissors (scissor excision), freezing them off (with cryotherapy), or using lasers. The best treatment depends on each person. For example, someone with just a few spots might need a different treatment than someone with a lot of spots. It's important for people with darker skin to be careful with treatment because they might get scars or their skin might change color. Usually, insurance does not cover treatment, so you have to pay for it yourself. 

In short, there are many ways to treat DPN, but some can cause problems for people with darker skin. If you have this condition and want treatment, it's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist who knows about treating different types of skin.