Dermatofibroma

Definition

Dermatofibroma is a round, brownish to purple growth commonly found on the legs and arms. Dermatofibromas contain scar tissue and feel like hard lumps in the skin. A dermatofibroma consists of a proliferation of scar-like tissue within the deeper layers of the skin. A dermatofibroma is also sometimes called a fibrous histiocytoma. It is due to a non-cancerous growth of dermal dendritic histiocyte cells.

Dermatofibroma is defined as a benign skin growths, found especially on the legs. They can grow up to about 1 cm in diameter. The skin growth is mostly consist of fibrous tissue. It is a form of urticaria in which skin welts develop along the lines where one has been stroked or scratched. Also called dermographia, dermographism. They are usually single but sometimes may be multiple.

Causes of dermatofibroma

Initially the lesion develops as a firm papule or a button-like tumor. Lesions may be slightly tender and their size may vary slightly over time. Cause of dermatofibroma is unknown because of its persistent nature. The possible causes of dermatofibroma are as:-

• Age: Middle-aged adults. It is rarely found in childrens.
• Heredity: A family history of dermatofibroma, may become the cause of it.
• Injury: A minor injury to the skin such as a prick from a thorn, may lead to the dermatofibroma.
• Dermatofibroma, can be produced by an insect bite.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop this condition than men

Symptoms of dermatofibroma

Dermatofibromas can occur at any age, and they occur more frequently in women than in men. Usually dermatofibromas appear alone, but sometimes there may be several. The important symptoms of dermatofibroma are as:-

• The size of dermatofibroma is vary as - small as a BB pellet but can grow larger than a fingernail
• Usually dimple inward when pinched.
• They are darker for individuals with darker skin
• They are usually found on the lower legs, but may appear on the arms or trunk
• The red, pink, purplish, gray or brown patches may be seen on the affected area of skin.
• It is usually painless but may be tender, painful or itchy
• Raised from the skin and may bleed if damaged
• The color may change over time
• Occasionally itchy or sensitive when touched

Treatment of dermatofibroma

These treatments only destroy the upper part of the growth, and after a few years it may again become noticeable. If this happens, the treatment could be repeated again if desired. Such as includes :-

• Liquid nitrogen freezing destroys only the upper part of the growth. Therefore, the dermatofibroma, after some years, may again become noticeable. Usually any regrowth is slight and can be handled by another freezing.
• Dermatofibroma are best ignored. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a piece may be removed for tissue analysis.
• Dermatofibroma can be removed surgically, but since they are deep, this usually leaves a scar.