Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) Sydney

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) treatment

We use cutting-edge laser technology to safely and effectively remove unwanted DPN skin lesions. Our laser treatment serves as a superior treatment alternative to traditional methods such as cryotherapy, curettage and electrodesiccation.

To ensure the best aesthetic result and to help mitigate potential risks, we recommend a patch-test treatment – this is where one or two DPN skin lesions are removed. Following this initial patch-test treatment, a waiting period of four to six weeks is necessary before proceeding with the laser treatment for the remaining DPN lesions. The patch-test laser treatment is crucial for assessing how well your skin heals and ensuring that the treated areas have not become lighter or darker in colour, or develop abnormal scar issue – rare but possible risks associated with any energy-based treatment or surgical procedure.

Generally, the skin responds very well to our laser treatment, and once treated, the same DPN skin lesions do not typically regrow.

How many treatments are required?

Typically, only one laser treatment is required to remove induvial DPN skin lesions. However, in very few cases, a further touch-up laser treatment may be required.

Does it hurt?

Most patients find this treatment very tolerable however, if required, we do offer topical and local anaesthetic cream to provide further comfort.

If topical anaesthetic is required, you will be asked to attend the clinic about 30min prior to treatment, so that topical anaesthetic can be applied. After the numbing cream has taken affect, you should find the treatment to be well-tolerated and comfortable. If further local anaesthetic is required, this can be provided just prior to the laser treatment.

Recovery after 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.