Overview

A dermatofibroma is a common, non-cancerous (benign) skin growth that feels like a firm bump under or on the skin. While the exact cause isn't always clear, they sometimes appear after a minor skin injury, like an insect bite or a small cut, though many develop without any known trigger.

Dermatofibromas can occur in anyone but are most often seen in adults, and some studies suggest they might be slightly more common in women. The good news is that dermatofibromas are not contagious, so you don't have to worry about them spreading to others. For most people, they don't cause major problems, but they can sometimes be itchy, tender, or a cosmetic concern, which we understand can be frustrating.

Symptoms

You might notice a dermatofibroma as a:

• Small, firm bump - that you can feel on or just under the skin's surface.
• Growth most commonly found - on the arms, legs, or upper back, but it can appear anywhere.
• Spot that varies in color - often appearing pink, red, brown, tan, or even grayish, and it can change color over time.
• Bump that might feel like a small, hard pebble - under the skin.
• Growth that can sometimes be itchy, tender to the touch, or painful - especially if it's bumped or irritated.
• Lesion that shows a characteristic "dimple sign" - it may pucker or indent inward if you gently pinch the skin on either side of it.
• Spot that is usually less than half an inch (about 1 centimeter) in diameter.
• Growth that typically appears slowly and then stays the same size, or grows very gradually over many years.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a dermatofibroma usually starts with a healthcare professional looking closely at the growth. They will likely ask about your medical history and when you first noticed the bump.

Often, a doctor can identify a dermatofibroma just by its appearance and how it feels. They might use a special magnifying tool with a light called a dermatoscope to get a better look at the skin's surface and the patterns within the growth. If there's any uncertainty, or if the growth has unusual features, a skin biopsy might be recommended. This involves taking a small sample of the skin for examination under a microscope to confirm it's a dermatofibroma and not something else.

Management & Treatment

Finding a firm bump on your skin can be unsettling, but the good news is that dermatofibromas are harmless and often don't need any treatment at all. If the growth isn't bothering you, leaving it alone is a very common and perfectly safe approach.

However, you might consider treatment if the dermatofibroma is in a spot where it gets easily irritated, is tender, itches, or if you're concerned about its appearance. It's completely understandable to want it removed for your own comfort and peace of mind.

Here are the most common approaches you and your doctor might discuss:

• Observation: This is the most frequent path. Since dermatofibromas are benign (not cancerous), simply keeping an eye on the spot is often all that's needed. They may stay on your skin for years without changing.
• Surgical Removal: The most effective way to get rid of a dermatofibroma is through a simple in-office surgical procedure. A dermatologist will numb the area and cut the growth out. It's important to know that this procedure will leave a scar, which may be more noticeable than the original bump.
• Other Procedures: In some cases, a doctor might use other methods like freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) or shaving the top of it off. These methods may not remove the deeper parts of the growth, meaning it could come back, and they also carry a risk of scarring.

Making the Right Choice for You

Deciding on treatment is a personal choice. There are no over-the-counter creams or home remedies that will make a dermatofibroma go away. The main things to consider are whether the bump is causing you any physical discomfort or if its appearance is a concern for you.

If you choose to have it removed, the spot will heal over a few weeks, but you will have a permanent scar. If you decide to leave it alone, that's okay too! Just be sure to monitor it for any significant changes.

Important Note: While dermatofibromas are benign, it is crucial to have any new or changing skin growth evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and ensure it isn't a more serious condition. If a treatment isn't working or the spot grows back, be sure to schedule a follow-up visit.

Duration & Outlook

Dermatofibromas are generally considered chronic, meaning they are long-lasting. Once they develop, they typically persist indefinitely and rarely go away on their own without treatment.

The good news is that dermatofibromas are benign, which means they are not cancerous and do not turn into skin cancer. For most people, they remain a stable, harmless bump. However, it's important to be aware of any changes. If you notice a dermatofibroma suddenly growing larger, changing shape or color significantly, bleeding, or becoming very painful, it's a good idea to have it checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions.

Prevention

Unfortunately, because the exact cause of dermatofibromas isn't fully understood, there's no surefire way to prevent them from forming. Some dermatofibromas appear to develop after minor skin injuries, such as insect bites, splinters, or shaving nicks.

While it's not a guaranteed prevention method, being mindful of protecting your skin from these small traumas might reduce the likelihood of developing a dermatofibroma in some individuals. However, many dermatofibromas occur without any known prior injury, so it's important to know that they can still appear even if you're very careful.

Causes & Triggers

The precise cause of a dermatofibroma is often unknown. It's thought to be a benign (non-cancerous) accumulation of cells called fibroblasts, possibly as a reaction to minor trauma to the skin, even if you don't remember an injury.

• What causes it? It's believed to be an overgrowth of fibrous tissue, sometimes triggered by minor skin injuries like insect bites, thorn pricks, shaving cuts, or even folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles). However, many dermatofibromas develop spontaneously without any identifiable trigger.
• Common triggers and how to avoid them: Minor skin injuries are considered potential triggers. While avoiding every nick and scrape is impossible, being cautious during activities like shaving or gardening might help some individuals.
• Who is most likely to develop it? Dermatofibromas are most common in adults, though they can occur at any age. Some studies suggest they are slightly more frequent in women.
• Risk factors: A history of minor skin injuries can be a risk factor. Having a family history of dermatofibromas might also play a role, though this is less clear.

When to see a doctor

It's always wise to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any new skin growth or changes in an existing one. While dermatofibromas are harmless, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis to rule out other, more serious conditions.

You should see a doctor or dermatologist if:

• You have a new skin bump or lesion that you're unsure about.
• An existing growth changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
• The growth starts to bleed, ooze, or becomes crusted.
• The area becomes persistently painful, itchy, or tender.
• You are worried or anxious about the skin growth.
• You have multiple new growths appearing.

A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions and can provide an expert diagnosis. If you're ever in doubt, seeking professional advice is the best course of action for your peace of mind and health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Q: Are dermatofibromas cancerous? No, dermatofibromas are benign, which means they are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. We understand that any new skin growth can be worrying, but these are generally harmless.
• Q: Can a dermatofibroma go away on its own? It's very rare for a dermatofibroma to disappear on its own. They usually persist unless they are medically removed.
• Q: Should I try to remove a dermatofibroma at home?No, please do not try to remove a dermatofibroma yourself. Attempting to remove it at home can lead to infection, scarring, or incomplete removal, and it might grow back. If it bothers you, it's best to discuss removal options with a healthcare professional.
• Q: Can I have more than one dermatofibroma? Yes, it's quite common for people to have more than one dermatofibroma. Some individuals may develop several over their lifetime.
• Q: Why does my dermatofibroma itch or feel tender? Itching or tenderness can sometimes occur with dermatofibromas, especially if they are irritated by clothing, accidentally bumped, or if there's some minor inflammation around them. If the itching or tenderness is persistent or severe, it's a good idea to have it checked by a doctor.

References

• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023, July 24). Dermatofibroma. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470538/
• British Association of Dermatologists. (n.d.). Dermatofibroma (also known as histiocytoma). Retrieved from https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/dermatofibroma-also-known-as-histiocytoma/
• Medscape. (2023, September 20). Dermatofibroma Treatment & Management. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1056742-treatment