Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) Sydney

What is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)?

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a skin condition that presents as small, brown-to-black, raised bumps, that commonly present on the face and neck. DPN skin lesions are primarily seen on olive to darker skin tones, particularly those of Asian, Indian and African descent. While DPN is typically benign, many women and men will seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

What is the cause?

The cause of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is not known however, some literature suggests that genetics may play a role, as it is often runs in families.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Treatment

At Queenoftheskin, we use the latest laser technology to remove DPN in just a single treatment. Laser treatment severs as an alternative to other treatment methods which include Cryotherapy, Electrodesiccation and Curettage.

We recommend a test-patch treatment which will involve the removal of one or two DPN skin lesions. Once the lesions have been removed, you will need to wait about 4-6 weeks to proceed with the laser removal of the rest of the DPN lesions. It’s very important to conduct a test-patch treatment to ensure that the skin heals well, without the skin becoming darker or lighter or in very rare cases, raised scar tissue forming – these risks are associated with any energy-based treatment or surgical intervention.

Typically speaking, the skin responds very well to laser treatment and the DPN skin lesions that have been treated with laser, do not return.

Where is this treatment performed?

Our Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra treatment is currently available in Sydney only – only a relatively short drive from Canberra or other surrounding regions. You can schedule a consultation and treatment on the same day, to ensure that you are maximizing your time efficiently.

Advantages of DPN Laser Treatment

Our Laser technology allows each individual DPN lesions to be removed in a single treatment and is extremely precise, causing no damage to the surrounding skin. DPN skin lesions are removed in an instant, with the skin being visibly clear, free of the DPN.

When it comes of other energy-based treatments, the treatment physician will often have to guess how much energy is required to remove the DPN lesion, meaning that there is no certainty that the lesion will be treated in its entirety.

Is Laser DPN Removal Safe?

Whilst most DPN lesions are safe, skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin so we advise all patients to have a skin cancer check with their qualified General Practitioner, prior to undergoing any form of laser treatment.

When a DPN lesion is removed by laser, the lesion is disintegrated, meaning that the DPN lesion cannot be sent to pathology for testing.

Please note: It is a mandatory requirement that you have your DPN lesions checked by a skin cancer specialist, prior to having laser removal at our clinic.

How Many Treatments Will It Take To Remove DPN Lesions?

Generally speaking, only one laser treatment is required to remove DPN skin lesions. However, in rare cases, a further touch-up laser treatment may be required.

Is The Laser DPN Removal Process Painful?

DPN laser removal is typically tolerated well, due to the speed and precision in which the lesion is removed. However, both topical and local anaesthetic options are available to numb the treated area.

Recovery After Laser DPN Treatment

Following your DPN treatment, there will be some redness, slight swelling and yellow oozing around the treated area(s) for up to a week or two following your treatment. In addition, a temporary scab will form; this is a natural part of the healing process.

The scab will usually fall off within 7 to 14 days, and it is essential to avoid touching or scratching the scab off the treated area. Scratching or picking at the scab can cause inflammation, making any scarring more prominent.

After the scab has fallen off, the treated area will appear red due to new capillary formation. Any redness around the treatment area will usually dissipate in a matter of months following treatment.

Please note: you will be required to attend a follow-up appointment in-clinic, no more than four days post treatment. 

Potential Risks

Even though you have had your DPN lesions assessed as being benign (cancer free) by your skin cancer practitioner, there is still a risk of skin cancer being present within your DPN lesions, at the time of your laser treatment.  

The laser ablates (burns) away DPN lesions, meaning that nothing is available to be sent away for pathology for further testing, so you need to be aware that pathology testing is not possible with this treatment.  

Although the potential risks are extremely uncommon, one or more of the following may occur: 

• Lightening or darkening of the skin in the treated areas 
• Skin crusting or blistering  
• Infection  
• Scarring – which includes Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring  

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.

Post-Procedure Care

Following your laser treatment, you may notice redness, bleeding, swelling and weeping at the site of treatment, which can last for several days to weeks.   

It is normal for the treated area to feel a little sore and tender, for a few days post treatment.  You will keep the treated area dry and intact following your treatment. 

• Please refrain from getting the treated area wet until scab has fully fallen-off the treated area.  
• Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks following treatment.
• Do not pick as scabbing can lead to scarring. 
• Makeup can be used over the treatment area so long as there is no extended redness, blistering or scabbing (mineral make-up is the best option).  
• Avoid skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, tretinoin, retinol creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.  
• Avoid any rubbing or friction movements on the treated area for three days post treatment.

Please contact our clinic if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary. If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department.  

We will arrange a follow-up appointment for six weeks post-treatment at our clinic. If at any time you have questions or concerns, you should contact our clinic to arrange a face-to-face appointment.  

If required, you will be provided with topical cream, designed to be used post skin injury, that will provide nutrients to accelerate the skin healing process. In addition, we also offer Ligh Emitting Diode Treatment (LED) to accelerate the healing process.