However, if your DPN removal appointment is scheduled in advance, Dr. Hartman suggests reviewing any topical medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) with your dermatologist. “I advise stopping topical retinoids, retinols, steroids, and exfoliating treatments prior to treatment so as not to risk irritation,” he says. “It’s best to schedule treatment when you have two to three days where you can leave the skin completely alone—meaning no makeup or sun exposure—to ensure optimal healing.”
At Dangene, I was assessed by an aesthetician who recommended a high-frequency device that delivers an electric current to the treatment area. My DPN growths—all of which i opted to have removed—varied in size, with the two near my right cheek being the largest (about the size of pen tip) and most noticeable. Did it hurt? Sort of. Each zap felt like a hard pinch, but honestly, it only hurt for about a second. No numbing was used in my appointment, but it’s something you can request ahead of time.
As for post-treatment risks, “there’s always a risk of temporary discoloration—either darkening or lightening—especially in melanated skin,” says Dr. Boakye. “Scarring is rare when removal is done properly, [which is why] choosing a board-certified dermatologist experienced in treating skin of color makes a big difference in minimizing risks.”
The healing process after dermatosis papulosa nigra removal
After my DPN removal, the only side effects I experienced were some scabbing at the treatment sites and brief lightening of the areas—or hypopigmentation—once the scabs fell off. Thankfully, everything had been explained to me in detail beforehand, including what to expect and how to care for my skin post-procedure, so I wasn’t alarmed by the changes.
I was told the first seven days post-removal were the most important, as that’s when scabbing would begin. I was under strict orders not to scrub or rub the area. When I checked in with Enterprise via WhatsApp a few hours post-removal, the first message read: “No rubbing, scrubbing, scratching, scraping, picking, washcloths, loofahs or massages, and no hot tub or sauna use during healing.”
I’m pleased to say I followed every rule. As I mentioned, I did experience some scabbing, but the scabs naturally fell off within 14 days of the procedure. During that time, I kept my skin-care routine simple and gentle. I used the Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser—its non-stripping formula made it gentle enough for both morning and night. For hydration, I spritzed on the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist and used The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner in place of a night moisturizer. (Skipping moisturizer wasn’t something I was specifically advised to do, but the milk felt like a safer way to get some hydration, since I could gently pat it over my skin instead of rubbing it in.) Since I skipped my usual makeup routine until my skin had healed, I relied heavily on Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 to give me all the glow I could get during the daytime.