II. Epidemiology
- Common benign dermatologic condition typically occurring in patients with Skin of Color (e.g. black, asian, hispanic)
- Occurs in 10-30% of black patients
- Onset after Puberty
- More than 50% of patients have a Family History of these lesions (typically multiple family members)
III. Pathophysiology
- Idiopathic, benign lesions
- Not related to nevi (despite being referred to by patients as "moles")
IV. Symptoms
- Typically asymptomatic
- May be mildly pruritic
V. Signs
- Characteristics
- Multiple Brown to dark brown, dome-shaped Papules, filliform or sessile
- Lesions are each 1 to 5 mm in diameter, and raised 1 to 3 mm off the skin surface
- Distribution
- Face, neck and trunk
- Typically develop in a symmetrical pattern
- Course
- Increase in size and number with age
VI. Management
- Treatment is not needed and cosmetic only
- Treatment risks Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Destructive techniques
- Excision with scissors
- Laser Therapy
- Higher rates of clearance with less Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Magfour (2021) J Drugs Dermatol 20(4): 467-72 [PubMed]
- Electrodesication and curettage
- Cryotherapy
- Microdermabrasion
VII. Prevention
-
Sunscreen
- Cummulative UV light exposure is a risk factor for development