Clinicoepidemiological Study on Patients with Dermatosis Papulosa Nigras and Acrochordons- A Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Dermatosis Papulosa Nigras (DPNs) and Acrochordons are benign epidermal outgrowths that frequently occur together over face, neck, axilla and other flexures. These are common dermatoses with high cosmetic concerns. Knowledge about the clinicoepidemiological patterns of these dermatoses will help in better management and prevention of recurrence.

Aim: To study the clinicoepidemiological patterns of DPNs and acrochordons, and to evaluate the outcome of treatment with Radiofrequency (RF).

Materials and Methods: The present study was a longitudinal study done on 121 patients in the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Dermatology from January 2017 to June 2021 with DPNs. and acrochordons who were followed-up for three years. The lesions were treated with RF removal (the number of sessions varied depending on the number of lesions). Data regarding relevant history, complete dermatological examination, and recurrences (if any) were recorded.

Results: Male versus female ratio was 1:1.8. The mean age of the study group was 34.28 years. The most common lesions were papular type DPNs, seen more commonly over face and neck (40%), 35 patients (28.9%) were obese (≥30 kg/m2), 19 patients (15.7%) had diabetes, and 13 patients (10.7%) had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). There was a positive association between co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes and PCOS and occurrence of the lesions. Overall, 70 patients had recurrence, out of which 26 (37.1%) were obese. Fifty-three patients used sunscreen regularly and usage of sunscreen showed significant association with prevention of recurrence, p-value-0.001.

Conclusion: In this study, it was found that females presented with complaints of DPNs and acrochordons more than males. The most common lesions were papular DPNs over face and neck. The most common co-morbidity in patients was obesity followed by Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Majority of patients (71%) who did not use sunscreen after treatment experienced recurrence of lesions.