Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Safe, Professional Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Removal Using Advanced Electrolysis
Have you noticed small, dark bumps appearing on your skin, often found on the face and neck?
These benign growths, known as Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, are common among individuals with darker skin tones and are characterized by their raised, smooth texture. Medically, they are considered harmless and often a result of genetics, though they can sometimes be mistaken for skin lesions.​​
At Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, we provide safe, professional Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra removal using Advanced Electrolysis. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the lesion is suitable for cosmetic treatment.
​
If we’re ever unsure about a lesion, we’ll always put your safety first and recommend further assessment before considering cosmetic removal.
What is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)?
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (often shortened to DPN) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, dark, raised bumps to develop on the skin.
​
They most commonly appear on the:
-
Face
-
Cheeks
-
Around the eyes
-
Temples
-
Neck
DPN is particularly common in people with darker skin tones and often runs in families. Although completely benign, many people choose to have them removed because they become more noticeable over time or affect their confidence.
What causes DPN?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but we know several factors increase the likelihood of developing DPN.
These include:
-
Genetics (it often runs in families)
-
Age
-
Skin type
Unlike warts, DPN is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. It isn’t caused by poor skincare or anything you’ve done wrong.
What does DPN look like?
DPN usually appears as multiple small, smooth or slightly rough raised bumps.
They are often:
-
Dark brown or black
-
Round or oval in shape
-
Slightly raised above the skin
-
Between 1–5mm in size
Some people develop just a few, while others gradually develop dozens over the years.
Because they often appear in clusters, they can become one of the first things people notice when they look in the mirror.
What causes DPN?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but we know several factors increase the likelihood of developing DPN.
These include:
-
Genetics (it often runs in families)
-
Age
-
Skin type
Unlike warts, DPN is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. It isn’t caused by poor skincare or anything you’ve done wrong.
Can DPN be removed?
Yes. At Jems Health & Beauty, we use Advanced Electrolysis to carefully remove suitable DPN lesions.
The treatment works by applying a tiny amount of heat through a fine sterile probe directly into the lesion.
​
Over the following days, the treated area forms a small crust before healing naturally.
​
Some clients only require one treatment, while others may benefit from additional sessions depending on:
-
The number of lesions
-
Their size
-
How your skin heals
Every treatment plan is tailored to you.
Is DPN dangerous?
No. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is a benign (non-cancerous) skin condition. However, just because DPN is common doesn’t mean every dark bump on the skin is DPN.
​
At Jems Health & Beauty, your safety always comes first. Every blemish is carefully assessed before treatment. If we’re ever unsure about a lesion, we won’t remove it. Instead, we’ll discuss the safest next step, which may include our Map My Mole service or referral to your GP if appropriate.
Does DPN removal hurt?
Everyone experiences discomfort differently. Most clients describe the treatment as a series of quick, hot pinprick sensations.
​
The face is a sensitive area, but the treatment is usually very well tolerated, and most appointments are completed comfortably. We’ll always work at a pace that’s right for you.
What happens after treatment?
Immediately afterwards, you can expect:
-
Mild redness
-
Slight swelling
-
Tiny crusts forming over the treated lesions
These crusts are a normal part of healing and should be left to come away naturally. Picking them too early can increase the risk of delayed healing and changes in pigmentation. We’ll provide full aftercare instructions before you leave the clinic.
​
Will they come back?
Once an individual DPN lesion has been successfully treated, it is unlikely to return. However, because DPN is a genetic skin condition, new lesions may develop elsewhere over time. Many clients choose occasional maintenance treatments to remove new lesions as they appear.
Aftercare Recommendations​​
​​​
Following treatment we recommend:
-
Keeping the area clean and dry.
-
Avoiding picking the treated area.
-
Avoiding excessive heat for the first 24–48 hours.
-
Following all aftercare advice provided during your appointment.
-
Wearing SPF if the treated area is exposed to sunlight.
Looking after the area properly helps minimise the risk of unwanted pigmentation and promotes the best possible result.
Common Myths about Cherry Angiomas​​​
Myth:
They’re just moles.
Fact:
Not always. DPN can look similar to small moles, which is why a professional assessment is so important.
Myth:
They’ll spread if you remove one.
Fact:
No. Removing one DPN lesion doesn’t cause others to appear.
Why Choose Jems Health & Beauty?​​
​​​​Every skin lesion deserves careful assessment before treatment.
When you choose Jems you’ll receive:
-
A professional consultation.
-
Honest advice.
-
Advanced Electrolysis performed with precision.
-
Personalised aftercare advice.
-
Treatment in an experienced, inclusive clinic established in 2008.
If we’re ever unsure about a lesion, we may recommend our Map My Mole service or advise you to see your GP before any cosmetic treatment is considered.
Questions Clients Ask Every Day​​
Can I remove DPN myself?
No. We strongly advise against trying to cut, burn or pick off DPN at home, as this can lead to infection, scarring and pigmentation changes.
​
Will I scar?
Most clients heal extremely well when aftercare advice is followed. As with any skin treatment, healing varies from person to person, and we can never guarantee scar-free healing.
​
Can I wear make-up afterwards?
Usually once the skin has fully healed. We’ll give you personalised aftercare advice depending on the size and location of your treatment.
​
How many can you remove in one appointment?
That depends on:
-
How many lesions you have
-
Their size
-
Their location
-
The appointment time booked
We’ll discuss this with you during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Jodie’s Advice​​
​
"One of the biggest misconceptions about DPN is that every small dark bump on the face is “just a mole.” In reality, several different skin conditions can look very similar.
​
"That’s why I never rush into treatment.
​
"Every lesion is carefully examined under magnification before we decide whether it’s suitable for removal. If I’m ever unsure, I’ll always recommend further assessment rather than guessing. Your safety will always come before cosmetic treatment."
Still Not Sure?​​
​
You don’t need to know the name of your skin concern before booking. That’s what we’re here for.
​
Whether it’s DPN, a mole, a skin tag or another skin lesion, we’ll assess the area carefully, explain what we believe it is and discuss the most appropriate next step. If appropriate, we can also offer our Map My Mole service for added reassurance before treatment.
Ready to Remove Your DPN?
​
If you’d like professional advice about DPN removal, we’d be delighted to help.
​
Book a consultation with Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, where we’ll assess your skin, answer your questions and recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment for you.
