Dermatofibroma, also known as fibrous histiocytoma is a harmless benign skin growth, especially found on the legs. They generally range from about .5 to 1 cm. These rounded bumps or hard papules vary in color from brownish to purple. Researchers believe that it can be caused by any injury of the past like a thorn pick or an insect bite It can occur anywhere but predominantly found in exposed areas. Dermatofibroma are like an iceberg, they are more under the skin than on the skin. In the beginning it is red in color but later on turns brown and may even itch at times. Dermatofibroma is harmless and does not turn cancerous.

Cause

The exact cause of Dermatofibroma is not known but it is suggested that it may be caused by insect bites, minor injury or thorn pricks. It mostly occurs in women. The ratio of male to female affected by it is 1:4. Dermatofibroma can better be categorized as a neoplastic process. Researchers suggest that Dermatofibroma may also be caused by genetic factors.

Symptoms

A nodule which is .5 to 1 centimeters in size develops. Few of the patients may develop lesions but hardly do the lesions go beyond fifteen. The color of the skin can range from yellow, gray, orange, red, pink, black, brown, blue and purple. The nodule feels like tiny pebble or a small pea that is fixed to the skin. Dermatofibroma can occur at any age but generally it develops in young adulthood. Around twenty percent of the lesions occur before the age of seventeen. Often there is pain and itching. It may be a concern for women who shave their legs as the razor can cause bleeding, pain, ulceration and erosive changes. Generally Dermatofibroma remains static and seems to remain forever.

Treatment

Dermatofibroma should better be ignored. In case the diagnosis is not certain a piece can be removed for tissue examination.

Physicians recommend a treatment only when the lesion comes in the way of shaving or becomes irritated by clothing. Dermatofibroma can be removed surgically with the help of local anesthesia. As it grows much more beneath the surface than on the surface so the scar may be larger than the actual tumor.

It can be flattened by using liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze it and flatten it. Liquid nitrogen destroys only the upper part of the growth and it may become noticeable after a few years. Another freezing can be done to handle the problem later.