Small dark bumps on the face (dermatosis papulosa nigra)

What it is

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) are small, smooth, dark brown or black bumps on the cheeks, forehead, neck and around the eyes. They are benign growths, similar to seborrhoeic keratoses, and increase in number with age.

How it works

Dermatosis papulosa nigra are small, harmless growths of skin cells, closely related to seborrhoeic keratoses. They are not warts, not infectious and not cancer.

Why it matters on darker skin

DPN is very common in people of African descent and often runs in families. It is not caused by poor hygiene or diet.

Causes and triggers

Strong family tendency and increasing age; more common in women and darker skin. They gradually increase in number.

What helps — and why it works

No treatment is needed. If they bother you, a doctor or dermatologist can remove them carefully with gentle methods, being mindful of the risk of dark or light marks on darker skin. Leave them alone if they don't bother you: they are harmless. Removal by a trained clinician: gentle cautery or snipping avoids scarring and dark marks. Expected timeline: heals in 1–2 weeks.

What to avoid and why

Do not cut, pick or burn them off, or apply caustic "mole removal" pastes. These can cause scars, infection and pigment changes.

Common mistakes

• Burning them off with acids or 'wart removers' at home, which leaves dark or light marks.
• Cutting them yourself.

Building a routine that lasts

Most skin problems improve with a short routine used every day rather than many products used occasionally. A practical base is a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning, with one targeted treatment at night. Introduce one new product at a time and give it two weeks before adding another, so that if your skin reacts you know the cause. Patch-test on the inner arm or behind the ear for a few days first. Skin renews itself roughly every four to six weeks, so most treatments need two to three cycles — eight to twelve weeks — before you can judge them fairly. Photographs taken in the same light every four weeks are more reliable than memory. In the Nigerian climate, heat, humidity and harmattan all change what your skin needs: lighter gels in the humid season and richer creams in dry months are both reasonable. If a product stings for more than a few minutes, causes swelling, or leaves new dark patches, stop it. Buy from registered pharmacies or official stockists, and use the Authenticity Check if you are unsure whether a product is genuine.

Reading labels and choosing products

On the label, look first for the active ingredient and whether the product is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Ingredients are listed in order of amount, so an active at the end of a long list may be present only in a small quantity. Be wary of products that promise results in days, that list no ingredients, or whose label is a sticker or handwritten. Words such as 'natural', 'herbal', 'organic' and 'dermatologist-inspired' are marketing terms, not safety standards. Hydroquinone, mercury compounds (sometimes listed as calomel or mercurous chloride) and strong steroids such as clobetasol do not belong in an over-the-counter cosmetic. A real NAFDAC registration number should be printed on the pack and should match the product on the official Greenbook register. Price is not proof: counterfeiters copy expensive brands. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist, keep your receipt, and use Melanin & Me's Authenticity Check and barcode scanner as a first screen.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Useful questions include: What do you think is causing this? Is it likely to come back, and how can I prevent it? Which products should I stop? How long before I should expect improvement, and when should I come back if it isn't better? Are there side effects to watch for? Is this treatment safe if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or for my child? Writing your questions down, bringing your products (or photos of their labels) and taking dated photos of the problem make an appointment much more useful.