Sex
Race
Age
Frequency
Dermatosis papulosa nigra affects up to 35% of the African American population. Blacks with a fair complexion have the lowest frequency of involvement. Dermatosis papulosa nigra also occurs among Asians, although the exact incidence is unknown.
Dermatosis papulosa nigra usually begins in adolescence and is rare in persons younger than 7 years. The incidence of dermatosis papulosa nigra, as well as the number and size of individual lesions, increases with age.
Females are affected more frequently than males.
Whereas earlier US studies revealed a 10% frequency in adult blacks, more recent data suggest a frequency of approximately 35% in this population. Data pertaining to the international frequency of dermatosis papulosa nigra are insufficient.