Dermatofibroma: Symptoms and Treatment

Dermatofibroma, also called as fibrous histiocytoma, is a round benign knot of a fibrous skin tissue. The knot is red-brown in color and does not cause cancer.

Causes of Dermatofibroma
The exact cause of dermatofibroma is still not known. Our skin has two main layers: epidermis and dermis. The overgrowth of a fibrous tissue, present between the epidermis and dermis, leads to dermatofibroma. This overgrowth of cells takes place on dermis. The dermatofibromas are supposed to be result of minor injury to skin, insect bite, etc. They are composed of spindle-shaped histiocytes and collagen. They usually grow singularly, but may form a group and develop in an irregular pattern. They are persistent in nature.

Symptoms of Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma does not show any symptom. They develop slowly and appear like round bumps that are mostly red-brown in color. The color of dermatofibroma gradually changes from red to dark brown. They are dark in color, in the case of dark people. They may cause itching or tenderness on pressing. Their size may vary from 5mm-10mm or more. Dermatofibroma can develop anywhere on the body, but they are predominantly found on lower part of leg. Dermatofibroma bleeds, when one nicks it.

Diagnosis of Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma can be easily diagnosed by the naked eye. The bump forms a dimple on squeezing. The doctor may review patient history and perform physical examination. If the diagnosis is still unconfirmed, a biopsy is recommended. In the biopsy, a sample of the knot is examined.

Treatment for Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma does not need treatment, until it causes discomfort. Patient may be uncomfortable with the bump, since it intervenes while shaving or wearing clothing. The knots do not heal by themselves, and they cannot be permanently cured. However, the bumps are harmless and contrary to general belief, they do not lead to cancer. They do not cause any risk to patient's health and can be surgically removed. The doctor administers local anesthesia prior to removing the knot. However, the surgery can lead to the formation of a permanent a scar (a scar is formed, as dermatofibroma occurs deep inside the skin) in the affected area. This may look more unattractive than the presence of a knot, because the scar is larger in shape. People having dermatofibroma should avoid exposure to sun.

Sometimes, external medication, like cryosurgery, is also used to treat dermatofibroma. This procedure involves the use of a liquid cooling agent to be applied on the bump. The liquid destroys the defected cell. Generally, liquid nitrogen is used in cryosurgery. It fixes dermatofibroma superficially, by making it unnoticeable. However, the knot is again conspicuous, after a period of time. The treatment may be repeated again. The regrowth is very slight, as compared to the previous bump and can be treated again. Cryosurgery also leaves behind a white mark. People having dermatofibroma should consult a dermatologist for proper treatment. Since, both the treatments leave scars, dermatofibroma should only be removed if it causes discomfort.

Risk Factors of Dermatofibroma
The following factors have been observed in the incidence of dermatofibroma. Women are usually more susceptible to the formation of dermatofibroma as compared to men. Dermatofibroma cases are mostly found in middle-aged people. It is rarely found in children.

Some Recommended Home Remedies for Dermatofibroma
A useful home remedy to check the dermatofibroma infection is by applying camphor spirit. The bump may be treated using cellulite cream.

Dermatofibromas are common; they are harmless knots on the skin and should be ignored. It is advisable to remove them, only when they cause discomfort to the patient while shaving/ clothing.