5 Things You Need to Know About Dermatofibromas

1. Nothing More Than Benign Bumps

Dermatofibromas, sometimes called fibrous histiocytomas, are small, noncancerous skin growths that appear mostly in female adults. These raised skin nodules are most commonly seen on the legs, but may also appear on the arms or torso. The nodules are firm and dimple when squeezed. In the majority of cases, only one dermatofibroma appears; it is much more uncommon for there to be more than one such growth, and even rarer for dermatofibromas to mestasticize or become malignant.

2. Dermatofibromas Really Get Under Your Skin

To understand exactly where dermatofibromas grow, it's best to understand the structure of the skin. There are three layers to the skin, called the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. The dermis is the middle layer, containing collagen and elastic tissue that gives our skin support and elasticity. The final subcutaneous layer is made up of fat and connective tissue. Dermatofibromas grow between the epidermis and dermis.

3. Signs Not Hard to Read

Dermatofibromas are easy to spot. They appear as firm, raised nodules, usually red, brown or flesh-colored (though the color may change over time) and rarely grown more than a half-inch in diameter. They feel like small stones under the skin and may be sensitive to the touch. In nearly all cases, there are no symptoms associated with dermatofibromas. They are almost always painless. These nodules can bleed if cut or nicked (if shaved over, for instance). If the nodule is painful or itchy, it's best to get it checked by a dermatologist to make sure it is not a more serious growth.

4. Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Well, maybe not just bed bugs. Dermatofibromas can develop as the result of any bug bite. A cut, bump to the skin or prick from a thorn can also lead to a dermatofibroma. How or why such traumas to the skin cause the growth of dermatofibromas is presently unknown. Genetics are thought to play a part. More than one growth that appear in a cluster can be associated with some autoimmune diseases such as lupus or AIDS.

5. No Treatment Usually Necessary

Since dermatofibromas are largely asymptomatic and not troublesome, no treatment is usually called for. If the growth does become painful or any other complications arise, it may be surgically excised. Since this surgery involves cutting beyond the first layer of skin, scarring is almost always present. The nodule may be frozen with liquid nitrogen and then shaved down to the skin, but since the growth is not addressed in the skin layers, it may reappear after a few years. Cryosurgery (freezing and removing the growth) has proved successful in many cases.