Dermatofibroma - Symptoms and Treatment

Dermatofibroma, also known as fibrous histiocytoma is a harmless benign skin growth, especially found on the legs. It is a benign tumor although deep seated tumors, that is, tumors that grow deeply into the fat underlying the skin do have the potential for aggressive growth and local recurrence. They are red or bwown in colour and about 5 mm in size. Dermatofibromas generally occurs in women. The treatment is adviced only if the lesion is in the way of shaving, or is becoming irritated by clothing. The exact cause of Dermatofibroma is not known but it is suggested that it may be caused by insect bites, minor injury or thorn pricks. It can occur anywhere but predominantly found in exposed areas. Dermatofibromas feel like hard lumps under the skin. The precise mechanism for the development of DF is unknown. Rather than a reactive tissue change, DF seems more likely to be a neoplastic process because of the persistent nature of the lesion and the demonstration that it is a clonal proliferative growth. Another name for dermatofibroma is histiocytoma. Typical dermatofibromas cause little or no discomfort, although itching and tenderness can occur. They can be pink, gray, red or brown in color and may change color over the years. They are firm and often feel like a stone under the skin. It is quite harmless and will not turn into a cancer. They usually occur alone and have no symptoms whatsoever. Sometimes more than one appears. They are often found following inflammation of normal skin eg. insect bites. They may be skin coloured or brown to brown-blue in colour.

Dermatofibroma are common spots found frequently on the legs, but may occur on other sites such as the arms and trunk. The cause of dermatofibromas is unknown. It is also known as Histiocytoma. A dermatofibroma is a very common, button-like dermal nodule, usually occurring on the extremities, important only because of its cosmetic appearance or its being mistaken for other lesions, such as malignant melanoma when it is pigmented. They can grow up to about 1 cm (less than a half inch) in diameter. They may regress spontaneously but can be excised if troublesome. Around twenty percent of the lesions occur before the age of seventeen. Usually, complete surgical removal leaves a scar that is worse than the Dermatofibroma. However, treatment of dermatofibromas is usually not necessary unless they are causing you some discomfort (itching or pain) or you feel they are unattractive.

Causes of Dermatofibroma

Common Causes of Dermatofibroma :

• It can be inherited form family to family.
• Insect bites.
• It mainly cause in middle aged adults than childrens.
• Minure injury like insect bite or a prick of a thorn to the skin is one of the cause of dermatofibroma.
• Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.

Symptoms of Dermatofibroma

Some common Symptoms of Dermatofibroma :

• These nodules are small in size.
• Flesh-tone, purple, or brown in color.
• Patient feel itchy or sensative.
• Dimpling if pinched.
• Painless, or slightly painful if pinched.
• The red, pink, purplish, gray or brown patches may be seen on the affected area of skin.
• Occasionally itchy or sensitive when touched.

Treatment of Dermatofibroma

• It can also remove by surgical method but it usually leaves scar on the skin.
• Intralesional steroid injections may be used.
• Freezing is another technique in which liquid nitrogen is used to clear lumps but it rarely successful.
• When a dermatofibroma gets in the way of shaving or is irritated by clothing, it can be flattened by freezing with liquid nitrogen
• Cryosurgery may also be used to remove a dermatofibroma.
• By applying cellulite cream thoroughly to the affected area, helps for fast recovery.

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