Medicines for Dermatofibroma

What it is

A dermatofibroma is a common, harmless (benign) growth in the skin. It appears as a small, firm lump or nodule within the skin, usually less than about a centimetre across, often brownish, pink or skin-coloured, and most commonly on the legs, but also the arms or elsewhere. A characteristic feature is the "dimple sign" — when the skin on either side is gently squeezed, the lump dimples inwards rather than protruding. Dermatofibromas are usually firm to the touch, may be slightly itchy or tender, and are often thought to develop after minor skin trauma such as an insect bite or a small injury, though the exact cause is not always clear. They are more common in adults and in women. They are harmless and tend to persist unchanged for years. Because they are firm nodules, they can sometimes cause concern, but they are benign; a doctor can usually recognise them by their typical appearance and the dimple sign.

How it is treated

Dermatofibromas usually need no treatment, and the main part of care is confirming the diagnosis and providing reassurance — understanding that a dermatofibroma is a harmless growth that can simply be left alone. They typically remain unchanged over time. If a dermatofibroma is symptomatic (for example repeatedly catching, itching or being tender) or cosmetically bothersome, it can be removed by minor surgery, though this leaves a scar (which some people find more noticeable than the original lump), so removal is weighed up individually. A doctor examines the lump, and where there is any doubt about the diagnosis, or if a lump is changing, growing, or has unusual features, it can be assessed further (sometimes removed and examined) to confirm it is benign and exclude other causes. The reassuring message is that dermatofibromas are common and harmless, usually need no treatment, and can be removed if troublesome — while any changing or unusual skin lump should be checked to be sure.