Does electrosurgery treat dermatosis papulosa nigra?

Dermatosis papulosa nigra, often called DPN, consists of small dark, smooth or slightly rough bumps, commonly on the face, neck, or upper chest. It is generally a benign skin growth. Electrosurgery can reduce an individual bump, but treatment does not change the skin's tendency to develop additional lesions.

Because DPN can resemble other pigmented growths, the clinician should inspect the bumps before removal. Do not assume a new, rapidly changing, itchy, or bleeding dark lesion is DPN without an examination.

Book an assessment with a dermatologist or appropriately trained clinician, especially if the bumps are on the eyelids or close to the eyes. Tell the clinician about previous raised scars, pigment changes, skin treatments, and any medicines that affect healing.

Treatment may involve numbing the skin and applying controlled energy to each selected lesion. The area may look darker, red, or crusted while it heals. Follow the aftercare plan, avoid scratching, and use the recommended sun protection; darker marks or lighter patches can occur after inflammation, particularly in richly pigmented skin.

Have a lesion assessed promptly if it changes in shape or colour, becomes painful, ulcerates, or bleeds. After treatment, contact the clinic if pain or swelling worsens, redness spreads, pus develops, or the treated area keeps bleeding despite pressure.

Ask which lesions are suitable, how pigment change may affect your skin tone, whether a test is needed, what healing will look like, and how many visits may be practical for your treatment goals.