Dermatofibroma

(The text below is a transcript from the video)

Introduction:

Today, we're going to talk about dermatofibroma, another common skin lesion that often goes unnoticed. 

What is Dermatofibroma?

Dermatofibroma is a harmless, non-cancerous skin growth that commonly occurs in adults. These nodules are made up of fibrous tissue and can appear on any part of the body, but they're most frequently found on the legs and arms.

What do Dermatofibroma look like?

Dermatofibromas have some distinct characteristics that can help you identify them:

• They are often small, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter.
• The color can vary from light brown to dark brown or even purplish.
• They have a firm, slightly raised, and sometimes dimpled texture.
• Here’s a wee secret clue that healthcare professions trained in skin lesion recognition will use: Its called the dimple sign. When pinched, dermatofibroma exhibit a peculiar "dimple sign" where the skin around the lesion retracts inward.

What causes Dermatofibroma?

The exact cause of dermatofibromas remains unknown. Some researchers suggest that they may develop following an injury to the skin, such as an insect bite or a minor trauma like a thorn while gardening. Genetics may also play a role in their development.

Is there anything to worry about?

Dermatofibromas are benign and pose no serious health risks. However, they can be painful if knocked.

It's crucial to have any new or changing skin lesion checked by a professional trained in skin lesion recognition and dermatoscope use. 

This is to ensure the correct diagnosis and rule out other potentially harmful conditions, such as melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Remember the ABCDE rule we discussed in a previous blogs, and be vigilant about any skin changes.

However, here is one specific feature to be aware of. When you have a dermatofibroma it doesn’t really change. You will have them for maybe 20 or 30 years! However, a rare type of melanoma that is very dangerous. It’s called a nodular melanoma and sometimes they don’t have pigment!

The clue that was worrying in a lesion was that it was growing! In addition to the ABCDE rules, Healthcare professionals are trained to watch out for EFG: stands for elevated, firm and growing.

So any elevated, from and growing lesion needs checked out!

How is Dermatofibroma treated?

Since dermatofibromas are harmless, treatment is usually not necessary. However, if a dermatofibroma is causing discomfort or you're concerned about its appearance, there are treatment options available:

• Surgical excision: The dermatofibroma can be removed through a small surgical procedure under local anesthesia. The risk is however that another, maybe even larger dermatofibroma might grow back in the scar.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen or other freezing agents can help remove the lesion, although this method may not be as effective for deeper dermatofibromas.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, dermatofibroma is a common skin lesion that you might develop as an adult.

Though harmless, it's essential to be aware of your skin's appearance and have any new or changing lesions checked by a healthcare professional trained in skin lesion recognition. Remember your ABCDE but also EFG (elevated firm and growing!)