Dermatofibroma - Symptoms & Treatment

A dermatofibroma (DF) is a round, brownish to purple growth commonly found on the legs and arms. It can occur anywhere, but seems to favor exposed areas. Dermatofibromas feel like hard lumps under the skin. Dermatofibromas occur most often in women. 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. A dermatofibroma is diagnosed by sight. Some physicians and researchers believe dermatofibromas form as a reaction to previous injuries such as insect bites or thorn pricks. 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

The common causes and risk factor's of Dermatofibroma include the following:

• The exact cause of Dermatofibroma is not known.
• Insect bites.
• Minor injury or thorn pricks.
• Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.
• A family history of dermatofibroma, may become the cause of it.

Symptoms of Dermatofibroma

• Small, pea-sized growth.
• Itchy or sensitive when touched.
• Dermatofibroma usually appear on the lower legs, but may appear on the arms or trunk.
• A nodule which is .5 to 1 centimeters in size develops.
• May be red, pink, purplish, gray or brown and may change colors over time.
• Dimpling if pinched.
• Dermatofibroma are often painless but may be tender, painful.

Treatment of Dermatofibroma

Here is list of the methods for treating Dermatofibroma:

• When a dermatofibroma gets in the way of shaving or is irritated by clothing, it can be flattened by freezing with liquid nitrogen.
• Intralesional steroid injections may be used.
• Dermatofibromas can be removed surgically, but since they are deep, this usually leaves a scar.
• By applying cellulite cream thoroughly to the affected area, helps for fast recovery.
• Dermatofibroma are best ignored. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a piece may be removed for tissue analysis.
• Cryosurgery may also be used to remove a dermatofibroma.

	Infectious Disease			Blog
		Actinomycosis Ascariasis Blastomycosis Chancroid Chlamydial Infection Clostridium Difficile Infection Coccidioidomycosis			Treat Herpes Completely Types of Skin Infection Skin Masage Infantile Atopic Dermatitis Homemade Skin Toner