Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra: A Quality of Life Survey Study

Background: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a skin condition characterized by pigmented sessile and pedunculated papules on the body, particularly on the face and other sun-exposed areas, that can cause cosmetic disfigurement and varying degrees of distress and psychosocial concern among patients. Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of DPN on quality of life (QoL). Methods: A 39-item questionnaire was administered to 50 African-American (AA) adults, 48 women and two men, with an average age of 51.7 years and visible DPN lesions at a dermatology clinic. We collected demographic information, family history, prior treatment, as well as type(s), frequency, duration of lesions, and attitudes about lesions. Dermatologic QoL (DLQI) survey scores were used to quantify the effect that DPN had on QoL. RESULTS: Most subjects reported lesions on the face (86%); 49 percent reported between 10 to 30 lesions on the body. The average age of diagnosis was 44.7 years (±15.51 years). Further, 84 percent of subjects reported having a firstdegree relative with DPN. Most patients reported little to no symptoms from their DPN (82%), while 36 percent had previously visited a physician due to their DPN. Electrocautery and cryosurgery were the most common methods of DPN removal. All subjects who had their DPN lesions removed reported improvement in the appearance of their skin. The average (standard deviation) DLQI score was six points (±5.42 points), which indicates that DPN has a moderate effect on QoL. Conclusion: Our study results reveal the high likelihood of a family history of DPN in subjects with the condition. Overall, most subjects reported few symptoms of DPN and their QoL was only moderately affected by DPN. Still, patients might benefit from the removal of DPN lesions.