I was unaware of the multitude of
mole-like freckles that had emerged on my face during my life. All I knew was
that these beauty marks, scattered across my cheeks and forehead, were a
perfect amalgamation of my mother and father, who also possessed them. They
made me feel like there was something I inherited equally from both of them, so
I embraced the freckles without dwelling too much on them. It wasn't until
adulthood that I discovered there's a medical term for this, and that other
Black women have varied experiences with dermatosis papulosa nigra.
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| RAPHYE ALEXIUS VIA GETTY IMAGES |
DPN is a prevalent skin condition primarily affecting individuals with melanated skin tones, including Black women of African, Afro-Caribbean, or African American descent. It manifests as small, benign papules that range in color from dark brown to black and typically appear on the face and neck. These papules are often mistaken for moles, freckles, or warts, but they have distinct characteristics.
A Movement Toward Embracing DPN
As part of a broader movement to
redefine beauty standards, there's a growing acceptance of DPN these days — but
this hasn't always been the case. For Black women who grew up with a skin type
that didn't conform to the smooth texture idealized by conventional beauty
standards, something like DPN could be triggering, especially considering the frequent
promotion of products like Proactiv. There was a prevailing notion that DPN
needed to be "fixed," perpetuating the idea that anything other than
flawlessly smooth skin was abnormal and therefore not beautiful or socially
acceptable.
In recent years, Black women have
been at the forefront of challenging outdated norms and promoting a more
inclusive and empowering definition of beauty. Many are now embracing their
natural bodies and skin, opting not to cover up with makeup or remove their DPN
beauty marks. As discussions around the condition gain momentum, it's evident
that the future of beauty lies in diversity, celebrating the unique qualities
of every individual and every skin type.
Through conversations with Black women who have DPN, it's apparent that as we age, there's a growing acceptance of ourselves, our bodies, and our beauty.
Are There Health Risks To DPN?
During her middle and high school
years, Jannah Abdul-Rahman, a mother of four, endured teasing because of her
DPN. Children singled her out, making her feel different due to her condition.
Abdul-Rahman recounted instances where classmates would try to "rub her Black girl freckles off,"
question their authenticity, or express displeasure by asking, "What's all that on your face?"
Despite the teasing, Abdul-Rahman
never considered removing her DPN until someone raised concerns about potential
cancer risks. However, this notion is unfounded.
According to Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm and Skinclusive Dermatology in Houston, DPN does not pose any health risks, including skin cancer. Nevertheless, Dr. Kikam emphasized the importance of consulting a dermatologist if there are symptoms such as swelling, pain, or bleeding. Some women may notice that their DPN becomes more prominent after pregnancy or with age, causing the lesions to protrude on the skin.
Can (And Should) DPNs Be Removed?
Kikam highlighted that some Black
women choose to have their DPN removed for cosmetic reasons. She explained that
"DPNs can be removed through various
methods," such as snip excision, light curettage with or without
anesthesia, light electrodesiccation, or cryotherapy. However, she cautioned
that in individuals with darker skin tones, the decision to remove DPN should
consider the risk of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring, which
could be more visually displeasing than the lesions themselves if not performed
correctly.
In my conversations with more Black
women with DPN, I discovered that few of us are concerned about the health
implications. Kendra Jeel, an influencer who focuses on empowering women and
shares candid insights on TikTok, shared her feelings about her DPN when I
reached out to her.
Jeel mentioned that her DPNs have become more noticeable as she has aged. "As they've become more prominent with age, they remind me of my mother's beauty," she explained. "They never detracted from her beauty, even though I used to view them with apprehension, hoping I wouldn't develop them. But I've realized that with them, I'm changing my perspective on aging and beauty."
Are There Ways To Prevent Or Treat
DPN?
"DPNs cannot be prevented," explained Kikam. "While the exact cause is unknown, there is a
genetic predisposition to DPN."
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| The author, showing her beautiful DPN |
However, there may be a correlation
with sun exposure, which is a primary concern dermatologists often address with
patients, including those with Black or melanated skin.
"DPNs typically appear in areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as
the head, neck, and upper trunk," noted Kikam. "Although the underlying cause is unclear,
there may be a potential link with cumulative sun exposure that should not be
overlooked."
A medical overview of DPN cited a prior study indicating that "darker-skinned patients who used topical treatments for artificial depigmentation experienced worsened DPNs, possibly due to reduced UV protection from loss of skin pigment." While UV exposure may play a role in DPN development, Kikam emphasized that it cannot definitively be stated as a cause.
Treating skin with DPN involves two
primary steps: protecting the skin from sun exposure and ensuring it remains
moisturized to prevent dryness.
Kikam emphasized the importance of
sun protection for Black individuals. "I
consistently stress the use of sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and scarves to
minimize UV exposure," she stated.
She also recommended several
products suitable for darker skin tones, including TIZO Photoceutical AM
Replenish Lightly Tinted SPF 40 broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with
antioxidants, Venus Williams’ Eleven broad-spectrum 100% mineral Unrivaled Sun
Serum 35 SPF, and EltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44 Tinted.
Like many other women with DPN,
I've noticed my features becoming more pronounced as I've aged. As a
37-year-old millennial, I've developed my own skincare routine that makes me
feel beautiful. I've never viewed my DPNs negatively; instead, I find them
beautiful and appreciate the compliments I receive, even when people inquire,
"Are your 'freckles' real?"
Personally, I often liken them to chocolate chips that add sweetness to my
face.
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