Skin problems are found in many people. Various rashes and formations often become a cause for concern. It is really worth paying attention to them and consult a dermatologist. After all, the appearance on the skin of various "growths", acne or moles can be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, it is very dangerous to start medication (and even more so surgical) on your own. One of the pathological formations is dermatofibroma. The reasons for its appearance may be different. To prevent this formation from becoming malignant and not cause concern due to a cosmetic defect, it is recommended to remove it.
Dermatofibroma - what is this rash?
Dermatofibroma refers to benign neoplasms of the skin. Its other name is histiocytoma (or sclerosing hemangioma). It is formed in the depths of the skin, and only a small part of it comes out. In most cases, dermatofibromas are found in the female population. Usually there is the appearance of only one formation, less often - a multitude. The most common dermatofibroma on the leg. However, it may appear on the upper limbs, shoulder, face and other areas. In appearance, this formation resembles a mole or wart. It usually has a smooth surface. If a skin lesion is found, patients ask the doctor the question: "Dermatofibroma - what is it?". You should know that it does not pose a health hazard, but can develop into a tumor under the influence of provoking factors. This rash consists of fibrous tissue containing fibers. Usually it is small in size, about 1 cm in diameter. Such a benign formation consists of cells - fibroblasts and histiocytes. Dermatofibromas may vary in color. There are pink, brown, purple, black and gray shades of this formation. Its shape is most often rounded.
Causes of dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma - what is it and where does it come from? Even experienced professionals cannot answer this question. Since the exact cause of benign skin tumors has not yet been clarified. It was previously assumed that the appearance of various rashes of non-infectious genesis is associated with insect bites. At the moment, this theory is unfounded. Among the factors affecting the occurrence of dermatofibromas, there are:
- Hereditary predisposition. In most cases, people with benign neoplasms have evidence that the pathology was transmitted genetically from the mother or other close relatives.
- Environmental pollution. Benign rashes are often found in people living in poor environmental conditions (at the locations of plants and factories).
- Harmful production. Risk groups include people who are constantly exposed to chemical or radiation exposure.
- Age features. Most often, dermatofibromas are found in adulthood and old age.
- Female.
- Injuries to the skin. This refers to various types of damage (cuts, bites of insects and animals, corns).
In addition to predisposing factors, there is evidence that dermatofibromas often develop against other diseases. Among them: tuberculosis, acne (pustular facial skin lesions), liver pathology, chickenpox.
What types of dermatofibromas are there?
Depending on the type of formation and its consistency, as well as the causes of the appearance, 3 forms of dermatofibroma are distinguished. Regardless of the variety, they are all benign. The following forms are distinguished:
- Mild dermatofibroma. In most cases, it forms on the skin after damage. Its size may vary. On palpation of such a dermatofibroma, you can find that it has a flabby, soft consistency. The color of the formation is usually flesh or yellowish pink. The surface is smooth. Often such formations have a base - a thin leg. They slowly increase in size or do not tend to grow. In most cases, they are located on the skin of the face and body.
- Solid dermatofibroma. Such a formation on examination resembles the accumulation of several lobules or small spheres. It is well delimited from the skin. Color - dark red or flesh. In size, solid dermatofibroma can vary from 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter. It is firm to the touch. Tends to spontaneously disappear and appear. This formation is never malignant. It can be found on any surface of the skin.
- Lenticular dermatofibroma. Represents one or more dense nodules on the skin. It has a small size - up to 1 cm. The color of this formation varies from red to black.
Symptoms
Dermatofibroma - what is it and how to distinguish this formation from other skin pathologies? Only an experienced doctor can diagnose and identify symptoms. With this problem, you need to contact a dermatologist. If necessary, he will be referred to an oncologist or surgeon. The following symptoms are characteristic for dermatofibroma (histiocytomas):
- Education is most often rounded.
- The surface is smooth, in rare cases - warty.
- Tends to slow growth.
- The color of dermatofibroma most often depends on the clinical form (from flesh to black).
- In most cases, it occurs in middle-aged women on the skin of the lower or upper extremities, face, body.
- When rubbing against clothes, it can be accompanied by unpleasant sensations, itching, redness.
- Damage to this neoplasm leads to bleeding.
How is dermatofibroma diagnosed?
Despite the fact that dermatofibroma refers to benign processes, when it appears it is worthwhile to see a doctor. After all, skin formations are very similar to each other, and it is difficult to distinguish between those who have no experience in this business. First of all, the doctor asks questions about how long this rash appeared, whether it has changed over time, whether the patient is worried or not. Then he palpates. Dermatofibroma can have a dense or soft consistency and lobular structure. With pressure on the formation, it bends into the skin. Palpation of dermatofibroma can cause pain. Pathological discharge should not be normal. You can finally verify the correctness of the diagnosis only by taking a biopsy and conducting a histological and cytological examination.
What is dermatofibroma differentiated with?
In order not to confuse dermatofibroma with other neoplasms, you should know what other changes on the skin can resemble it. Among them are benign tumors that tend to malignancy. An example is pigmented nevus. Xanthoma can also resemble dermatofibroma in appearance - a rash on the skin that occurs with diseases of internal organs (most often the liver). In addition, this benign tumor is confused with cancer. This refers to malignant tumors such as melanoma and dermatofibrosarcoma. To make sure the process is benign, a biopsy is necessary.
Dermatofibroma: treatment of pathology
The choice of treatment depends on the size of the education and on whether it brings inconvenience to the patient. In some cases, dermatofibroma is recommended to simply observe. Surgical treatment is carried out with bleeding, large size or rapid growth.
Folk recipes
Alternative treatment can be carried out only after the establishment of an accurate diagnosis. Otherwise, it can harm health. It is recommended to apply magnesia or camphor alcohol solutions to the area of dermatofibroma. Doctors consider these methods dangerous. After removing the formation, it is recommended not to injure the skin, avoid sunlight, eat more fruits and vegetables. This will help avoid relapse.
Surgical intervention
Removing dermatofibroma is a simple operation. Surgical intervention is carried out in 2 ways:
- Excision of education. It is used for large sizes of dermatofibroma.
- Laser vaporization. It is considered a painless and quick procedure.
After removal of a benign formation on the skin, the patient can leave the clinic on the same day. The operation takes only a few minutes. The risk of complications with this intervention is minimal.