Treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra using a carbon dioxide laser

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is characterized by the presence of multiple, small, hyperpigmented, warty papules affecting the face, neck, and trunk that bear to histological semblance to seborrheic keratosis. Although the lesions are benign tumors, they can cause distress for cosmetic reasons.

We, herein, report the cases of three female Japanese patients (mean age, 46 years) with DPN who were treated using a carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) laser with a computerized scanner. The patients were all suffering from an increased number of brown asymptomatic papules (size, 1-5 mm), which were located all over the trunk. Histological examinations revealed acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and horn cyst formation in the epidermis.

We performed CO₂ laser (LASER 30C; Lumenis Inc) treatment (settings: 8-10 W; pulse duration, 0.05-seconds; rest duration, 0.36 seconds; laser spot size, 1.2 mm) for 5-10 months.

With CO₂ laser treatment, were could completely remove the lesions and achieve excellent cosmetic results without scar formation in all cases. The treated lesions did not relapse for more than 1 year.

In our opinion, CO₂ laser treatment with a computerized scanner is an effective therapeutic option for DPN.