Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Diagnosis: Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

Many small, heavily pigmented lesions with a minimal keratotic element on the face.

Clinical Presentation

Many small, heavily pigmented lesions with a minimal keratotic element on the face.

Clinical History

Submitted by Alaa Saad. Originally posted December 18, 2010.

Treatment

See case discussion.

Differential Diagnosis

• Seborrheic keratosis • Flat warts • Acrochordon (skin tag) • Syringoma • Trichoepithelioma

Key Learnings

• Small, darkly pigmented papules on face — variant of seborrheic keratosis • Very common in people of African descent — up to 77% • Named by Castellani (1925) — described in individuals with darker skin • Benign — no malignant potential • Increases in number with age • Morgan Freeman's facial lesions are classic DPN

Tags: dermatosis, papulosa, nigra, alaa saad