WHAT IS A DERMATOFIBROME?A dermatofibroma, also called a histiocytoma, is a slow-growing, firm or hard bump in the skin, usually on the lower legs. It is a benign skin condition.WHAT DOES A DERMATOFIBROMA LOOK LIKE?It's usually a hard bump on a leg. It can be skin-colored, red, or brown. A dermatofibroma is usually slightly sunken, with the majority of the area located in and under the skin. A dermatofibroma contains a lot of connective tissue (scar tissue), which can cause the area to become attached to the underlying surface. If you try to lift a skin fold at the spot, the dermatofibroma won't lift, creating a small indentation. This is called the dimple sign. Dermatofibromas can also appear on the arms and other parts of the body. There can be one or several at once. They cause few symptoms, sometimes pain or itching.
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WHO GETS A DERMATOFIBROME?Dermatofibromas are common in adults (20-50 years old), more common in women than men. Having a large number of dermatofibromas, which develop in a short period, is sometimes seen in patients with compromised immune systems.WHAT CAUSES A DERMATOFIBROMA?The cause is unknown. It may be triggered by minor skin damage, such as an insect sting. However, this has not been proven.HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE?The diagnosis is usually made based on the clinical picture, i.e., its appearance. Sometimes a biopsy (tissue sample) is necessary.HOW IS A DERMATOFIBROME TREATED?It's usually advised not to treat it. The only possible treatment is surgical removal of the area, but this can leave unsightly scars. And because dermatofibromas are often larger than they appear externally (most of them are located deeper), regrowth is common. If a dermatofibroma is causing pain, it can be removed. Dermatofibromas do not go away on their own. |
