Treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser: Report of two cases

Abstract

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a chronic skin condition characterized by verrucous hyperpigmented papules on the face, neck and upper trunk in African American patients. The lesions are more common in females and in older patients. Although the lesions are benign, treatment is often sought for cosmetic reasons. We report two cases of patients with facial DPN who achieved an excellent cosmetic result following a single treatment with a long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. We suggest this modality for consideration in treating patients with DPN.

Laser treatment of hyperpigmented lesions: position statement of the European Society of Laser in Dermatology

“…The comparison of the efficacy and complications of PDL for the treatment of dermatosis papulosa nigra with those of curettage and electrodesiccation showed no significant difference between these procedures . Two cases of dermatosis papulosa nigra treated with a single session of LP 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser allowed an excellent cosmetic result . The efficacy and safety of LP Nd‐YAG laser in treating dermatosis papulosa nigra has been confirmed in a prospective open trial with a follow‐up of 12 months …”

Laser Eradication of Pigmented Lesions: A Review

“…Reports in the last few years have described the use of a variety of lasers for the successful treatment of DPN. In 2008, Schweiger and colleagues reported the use of a long‐pulsed Nd:YAG for DPN in two patients who achieved 70% to 90% resolution of the treated lesions 27 . In 2009, Kundu and colleagues reported the efficacy of a KTP laser for DPN in 14 subjects (Fitzpatrick skin type IV–VI), with 96% of patients achieving greater than 50% improvement 28 .…”

“…In 2008, Schweiger and colleagues reported the use of a long-pulsed Nd:YAG for DPN in two patients who achieved 70% to 90% resolution of the treated lesions. 27 In 2009, Kundu and colleagues reported the efficacy of a KTP laser for DPN in 14 subjects (Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI), with 96% of patients achieving greater than 50% improvement. 28 Also in 2009, Katz and colleagues reported the use of a 1,550 nm fractionated erbium-doped fiber laser for DPN in one patient that resulted in greater than 75% improvement.…”

Comparison of Electrodesiccation and Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate Laser for Treatment of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

“…There have been reports of successfully treating DPN with the 532‐nm diode laser and the 1064 nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser 2,3 . Anecdotal experience at the Northwestern Dermatology Clinic with the KTP laser (Aura, Laserscope, San Jose, CA) has been favorable in removing DPN in African‐American patients, with successful treatment and no hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring.…”