Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Removal
Safely removing smooth brown or black Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra blemishes. Located in Dublin, our specialized clinic utilizes advanced, precise electrolysis to break down and eliminate DPN tissue down to the base, restoring a clear, beautifully smooth, and spotless appearance to your skin..
What Is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
Spotted an unexpected crowd? Clear it. For Flawless skin.
If the name sounds a little medical and intimidating, don't worry — these are something many people live with their whole lives without ever knowing there's a simple name for them, let alone that they can be treated.
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, or DPN for short, are small brown or black blemishes that are smooth and dome-shaped, sitting on the surface of the skin. They're most commonly found on the face, neck and upper torso, and they tend to increase in number as we age. You might have just a handful, or you might have quite a few — either way, you're in very good company.
In fact, perhaps the most famous example of DPN is Morgan Freeman, whose face is famously dotted with them. They're part of what makes him so recognisable! So if you've been looking at yours in the mirror and wondering what they are, now you know you're sharing something with one of Hollywood's most beloved actors.
Who Gets It & What Causes It?
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra is most commonly found in people with African, Asian or Polynesian heritage — it's thought to affect a significant portion of the Black population in particular, with women slightly more likely to develop them than men. That said, they can appear in anyone.
They're hereditary, so if a parent or grandparent had them, there's a good chance you may develop them too. They typically begin appearing in adolescence or early adulthood and gradually increase in number over time.
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but DPN are believed to be related to a benign overgrowth of the outer layer of skin. They're not caused by infection, they're not contagious, and they have no link to skin cancer. They're simply one of those things that some skin types are more prone to than others. They are completely benign — meaning they're harmless — but many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, and that's a perfectly valid reason to seek treatment.
I really enjoy performing this treatment — partly because the results can be so striking, and partly because I know how much it can mean to someone who has spent years feeling self-conscious about their skin.
The treatment involves using a fine probe with a controlled heat setting, which is applied precisely to each individual blemish. The heat coagulates and breaks down the raised tissue, completely removing the blemish right there during the session. Depending on how many DPN you have, the treatment can be completed relatively quickly — though if there are a larger number to treat, we may decide together to spread it across a couple of sessions to allow the skin time to heal comfortably in between.
After treatment, your body gets to work naturally clearing away the dead tissue over the following days. Most clients are genuinely delighted with how their skin looks and feels once it has healed.
How Much Does Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Removal Cost?
We believe in completely transparent, straightforward pricing with no hidden consult fees. Because DPN usually presents in clusters, our pricing is based entirely on the length of time needed to meticulously clear the spots during your session:
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Consultation & Mandatory Patch Test (Redeemable against your first treatment) : €30
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Removal (30-50 Blemishes depending size): €85 (15 Min)
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Removal ((over 50 Blemishes depending size): €150 (30 Min)
A Patch test required for all Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra treatments. Please book a consultation & patch test first.
Spotting a pattern? See it. Clear it. In No Time At All.
What Results Can You Expect?
Advanced Electrolysis delivers beautiful results for DPN, but because we use a targeted heat current to clear away each blemish down to its base, your skin needs time to complete its natural renewal cycle:
Immediate Post-Treatment: The treated spots will look slightly darker, and the surrounding skin will appear a bit red, flushed, or mildly puffy—very similar to a tiny insect sting or heat bump.
Days 1 to 3: A small, firm micro-crust or tiny scab will form directly over each treated spot. This is a brilliant sign, acting as your skin's built-in natural bandage.
Days 7 to 14: The tiny crusts will dry up and naturally flake away on their own. Do not pick or scratch them! Letting them drop off naturally prevents hyperpigmentation and guarantees a flawless finish.
The Final Result: Once the scabs clear, you’ll be left with fresh, beautifully smooth, spotless skin. Any temporary lighter or darker marks left behind will fade smoothly over the coming weeks to perfectly match your natural skin tone.
Preparing for your Appointment & Aftercare
Pre-Treatment Pep
The Mandatory Step: A standalone consultation and patch test must be completed at least 48 hours prior to booking.
Sun & Tan: Strictly avoid active sun exposure, sunbeds, or fake tan on the area for 2 weeks.
Skincare Actives: Stop using Retinol, Glycolic, or Salicylic acids for 5 days before treatment
Hair Removal: Do not wax, thread, or pluck the targeted zone for 1 week
Post-Treatment Aftercare
Hands Off: Tiny micro-crusts will form within 72 hours. Do not pick or scratch them. Let them flake off naturally to prevent scarring
Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30/50 every morning. Fresh skin is highly prone to dark marks (PIH) if exposed to UV
Keep It Cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, heavy sweating, and makeup for the first 48 hours.
Keep It Cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, heavy sweating, and makeup for the first 48 hours.
Will the treated DPN grow back?
Once an individual DPN blemish is treated down to its base, that specific spot is permanently destroyed and will not return. However, because DPN is heavily tied to genetics and your specific skin type, your skin may naturally produce new ones in surrounding areas as time goes on. Many clients simply book a quick top-up session once a year to keep their skin perfectly clear.
Ready for Clear, Spotless Skin?
“Skin textures like DPN are incredibly common, but you shouldn't have to spend years feeling self-conscious or trying to cover them up with makeup. My absolute favourite part of this work is seeing the look of pure relief on a client's face when they realise how quickly and cleanly these spots can be cleared away. Your comfort and confidence are everything to me." — Stella, Skin Specialist
Frequently Asked Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) Removal Questions
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We use a highly precise method called Thermolysis. A microscopic, sterile probe touches each individual blemish to deliver a quick, controlled pulse of thermal energy. This instantly coagulates and breaks down the overgrowth of tissue, causing the DPN to shrivel and clear away immediately during your session.
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Most clients find the treatment highly tolerable, describing the sensation as a quick, localised pinch or a hot stinging prickle. Because the probe is on the blemish for only a fraction of a second, the discomfort is fleeting, and the session is over very quickly.
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Many small to medium clusters can be beautifully cleared in just 1 to 2 sessions. However, if you have a larger number of spots covering the face and neck, we will spread the treatment out over multiple appointments to ensure your skin heals comfortably and safely.
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Once an individual DPN blemish is treated down to its base, that specific spot is permanently destroyed and will not return. However, because DPN is heavily tied to genetics and your specific skin type, your skin may naturally produce new ones in surrounding areas as time goes on. Many clients simply book a quick top-up session once a year to keep their skin perfectly clear.
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Yes, this is strictly mandatory. Because DPN involves delicate pigmented tissue on highly visible areas, a standalone consultation and thermal patch test must be completed at least 48 hours before your first session. This allows us to safely monitor your skin's unique healing response and completely prevent any risk of hyperpigmentation. This specialized 30-minute slot costs €30 and is fully redeemable against your treatment balance.
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If you use any advanced skincare actives on your face or neck—such as Retinol, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, or Glycolic Acid—you must stop using them at least 7 days before your treatment. This ensures your skin barrier is calm, strong, and perfectly prepped for optimal healing.