Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a skin concern often in the form of small brown spots. These brown spots often form on people with darker skin and are usually harmless. Any spot that changes, bleeds or looks unusual should be checked by a doctor. They are small, raised skin lesions that appear on the face, neck and upper body. DPN removal with the CO2 laser is usually quick, and numbing cream is used to keep you comfortable. The treated spots darken and peel off within about a week, and the skin may stay pink for a few weeks. As with any lesion removal, there is a small risk of scarring or changes in skin colour. Your specialist will explain this at your consultation.
DPN or brown spots typically form on those with Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI. The condition is common in people with darker skin. DPN is usually harmless, and people tend to choose removal for cosmetic reasons. Lesions are normally a few millimetres wide and high, and often multiple lesions grow at once. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a common type of non-cancerous skin growth, or type of Seborrheic Keratosis. There is some suggestion that DPN is hereditary, however the exact cause is unknown. Exposure to sunlight is a contributing factor for DPN growth too. They usually appear with age and are often mistaken for moles. This is why every spot should be properly assessed before removal. If a spot looks unusual, it should be checked by a doctor first.
DPN removal is available at our clinic in Leamington Spa with the DEKA SmartXide Touch CO2 Laser. Here the laser specialist will assess your suitability for treatment whilst taking a full medical history. The DEKA SmartXide Touch is an established CO2 laser used to treat many types of skin lesion.
DPN lesions are typically found on the pigmented skin of Caribbean, African or Asian individuals. Most find that these brown spots increase in size and more will appear over time. If you are looking for brown spot removal, there are several options, including CO2 laser and minor surgery. Your specialist can explain the pros and cons of each and help you decide what suits your skin. Any lesion removal, including laser, can sometimes leave the skin lighter or darker (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation). This is more likely in darker skin. Your specialist will assess your skin and talk this risk through with you.
The SmartXide Touch is a CO2 ablative laser and removes DPN using focused energy, while limiting the effect on the skin around it. This controlled removal of the lesion stimulates the body’s self-healing abilities to promote new collagen. Due to the laser sterilizing the lesion, no blood will be present. Some patients need only one session, while others need more. Your specialist will advise you at your consultation.
DEKA lasers are used in more than 120 countries.
Depending on how large the DPN lesion is and the number of brown spots, the procedure will take around 10 to 30 minutes.
Prior to treatment, we use a numbing cream for your comfort. After the procedure, patients can normally return to everyday activities straight away. If the lesion being removed is close to the eyes there is a small chance that the eyes will be impacted temporarily by this, resulting in mild swelling. In the rare event, this will subside within a few hours. Treatment close to the eyes needs extra care, and special eye protection may be used. Your consultation will cover who will carry out your treatment and any precautions you need.
If a treated lesion comes back within 3 months, we offer a free follow-up treatment. Please ask about the details at your consultation. If scarring occurs, we offer scar management treatments and will talk you through the options. Please see the scar management page here.
As well as removing DPN, our Doctors and laser specialists can also remove other lesions. These include moles (after assessment), seborrhoeic keratosis, xanthelasma, sun damage and skin tags.
At Eve Clinics, DPN removal is carried out with the DEKA SmartXide Touch CO2 laser.
Spotting DPN
I went to Eve clinics to get a skin tag and DPNs removed. I spoke to Florina and had a consultation with the doctor and they were both really nice and professional. Everything was done the same day and she called me after to check up on me and how I was healing. The skin healed nicely with no scars. They also have very good prices too. Would recommend 5/5
Ash,
