What is Dermatofibroma? How Can It Be Treated?

A dermatofibroma (also known as a histiocytoma) is a common overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the dermis. The dermis is the deeper of the two main layers of the skin (below the epidermis). Dermatofibromas are completely harmless, benign and not cancerous.

What causes Dermatofibroma?

The precise cause of a developing dermatofibroma is not really known. But they do often seem to appear after a minor injury to the skin, such as a prick from a thorn or an insect bite. Dermatofibromas are not hereditary.

What are the common symptoms of a Dermatofibroma?

Usually there are no symptoms, but occasionally they itch or hurt when touched or knocked. If they are on the legs, then shaving the particular area can cause bleeding. Some people may be concerned about the way they look, depending on the location of the lesion.

What do Dermatofibroma look like?

A dermatofibroma is a firm bump just under any part of the surface of the skin that may feel like a small rubber. The colour can vary from pink to brown. They are usually 0.5mm to 1 cm across. As they lie within the skin, they can be moved with it. When they are pinched, a dimple may appear over them. They may be pink to light brown in white skin and dark brown to black in dark skin; some appear paler in the centre.

Generally, most people will only have one dermatofibroma, but some people that have autoimmune disease may have several of them. The dermatofibroma can appear anywhere but is most common on the lower legs of young or middle-aged adults and on the upper arms of women. They are more common on women than on men.

How can it be diagnosed and treated?

A reputable skin clinic such as Skin Revision, has been diagnosing and treating a variety of skin lesions, including dermatofibromas, since 2009. There are other dermatologists that will also be able to determine whether the lesion is a dermatofibroma. Even you GP may have a good idea. However, Skin Revision in Beaconsfield is an affordable option to diagnose and treat on the same day. Skin Revision would use heat cauterisation to safely treat and remove the dermatofibroma. There would be minimal discomfort during this non-surgical procedure, minimal downtime and a minimal chance of a small scar.

Can I have the Dermatofibroma removed by my GP or NHS?

Treatment and removal of a dermatofibroma is not available by your GP or through the NHS unless their are doubts about the diagnosis.

Worried about a Lump/Blemish or Lesion on your Skin?

You can visit Dermnet for great information on lesion diagnosis, but anyone who is worried or concerned about any lesion on their face or body should contact a skin expert such as Skin Revision. They can chat of the phone, see photos and ask you in for a free skin consultation and treatment if necessary. Skin Revision work with a team of dermatologists who can diagnose exactly what the lesions are and whether they are cause for concern or not.

If you are concerned about a lump or just wish to have a known lump/lesion removed, talk to Skin Revision – Beaconsfield’s award-winning skin clinic.

info@skinrevision.uk

01494 361262

Reference – Juliandri J, Wang XY, Liu ZJ, Zhang JW, Xu Y. Dermoscopic patterns of dermatofibroma in 72 Chinese patients. Chin Med J (Engl). 2019;132(17):2121–2. doi:10.1097/CM9.0000000000000406. PubMed