Dermatofibroma

A dermatofibroma is a common benign skin lesion, thought in many cases to arise after a minor injury such as an ingrown hair or insect bite.

The true cause is unknown, though it is thought to be a reaction to a minor injury in some cases.

A dermatofibroma is most common on the arms and legs (seemingly more common in women), and once they develop, they tend to persist indefinitely.

Dermatofibromas are firm-hard nodules, and can vary in colour from pink to darker brown colours in darker skin types. Many people will in fact have multiple dermatofibromas.

In most cases, one of our doctors can make a clinical or visual diagnosis by just looking at a dermatofibroma, and sometimes our doctors will palpate/feel the lesion, or use a special instrument called a dermatoscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Occasionally a skin biopsy will be performed if your doctor has any doubt as to the diagnosis.

Dermatofibromas are mainly a cosmetic nuisance, although they can rarely be tender. They can also be in the way of shaving one’s legs and can get nicked or cut.

If the lesion is dark or changing, it should be assessed by a skin doctor first. Dermatofibromas can be cut out using various techniques, or liquid nitrogen can be applied which can help fade the colour and flatten the lesion.

Here is a selection of medical scientific articles by our expert dermatologists Dr. Benjamin Barankin and Dr. Anatoli Freiman as they pertain to dermatofibroma:

Dermatofibroma

An Atlas of Lumps and Bumps

If you have any benign lesions, a referral from a doctor is not required for assessment. Contact us today.

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Toronto Dermatology Centre is located in Toronto, Ontario, and serves men and women in North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, York, Aurora, Thornhill, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Pickering, Peterborough, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, Oshawa, Barrie, downtown, midtown, uptown and all of Greater Toronto (GTA).

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