Characteristics of Dermatofibromas:

• Size and Shape: Dermatofibromas are usually small, ranging from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm in diameter. They are typically round or oval in shape and may appear raised or flat.
• Color: The color can vary from brown to reddish-brown or tan, depending on the individual’s skin tone and the depth of the growth.
• Texture: The surface of the dermatofibroma is usually firm to the touch, and when pinched, it might feel like a small knot beneath the skin.
• Pain: Dermatofibromas are typically painless but may cause discomfort if they become irritated, scratched, or inflamed.
• Location: Most dermatofibromas occur on the extremities, such as the arms, legs, or hands, but they can also form on the trunk or face.

Causes of Dermatofibroma

The exact cause of dermatofibromas is not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to their development:

• Injury or Trauma: Minor skin injuries, such as insect bites, cuts, or scratches, are thought to trigger the formation of dermatofibromas. The body may respond to the injury by producing excess collagen.
• Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing dermatofibromas, as they tend to run in families.
• Hormonal Changes: Some studies suggest that hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or puberty may play a role in the development of dermatofibromas.
• Immune System Activity: An abnormal immune response may contribute to the formation of these growths.

Symptoms of Dermatofibroma

Most dermatofibromas are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause pain or discomfort. However, some people may experience:

• Itching: The growth may itch, especially if it is irritated by clothing or scratching.
• Tenderness: In rare cases, dermatofibromas may become tender or sensitive to touch.
• Inflammation: Occasionally, the dermatofibroma can become inflamed, which might cause swelling, redness, or warmth around the growth.
• Cosmetic Concerns: Dermatofibromas are often found in visible areas of the body, leading some individuals to seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.

Treatment of Dermatofibromas

While many dermatofibromas do not require treatment, some patients seek medical intervention for the following reasons:

• Cosmetic reasons (if the growth is in a visible area)
• Irritation or discomfort
• Rapid growth or changes in appearance (which could indicate another condition)

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In most cases, dermatofibromas are harmless and do not need to be removed unless they are causing issues.

Surgical Treatment of Dermatofibromas at MACS Clinic

Surgical removal is often the most effective method for treating dermatofibromas, especially when they are large, bothersome, or located in a visible area. At MACS Clinic, our senior consultant plastic surgeon, Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria use surgical treatment.

The Surgical Removal Process

1. Consultation: During an initial consultation, Mr. Vadodaria will carefully examine the dermatofibroma and evaluate its location, size, and appearance. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
2. Anaesthesia: Surgical removal of dermatofibromas is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning the area around the growth is numbed. This ensures that the procedure is virtually painless. In rare cases, if the dermatofibroma is large or located in a difficult-to-reach area, sedation may be offered.
3. Excision and direct closure : Mr. Vadodaria will perform typically an elliptical excision of dermatofibroma and along with any surrounding tissue that may be affected. The growth is removed entirely to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
4. Closure: After removal, the wound is typically closed with dissolvable sutures.
5. Post-Operative Care: After the procedure, Mr. Vadodaria will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site. It is important to keep the area clean and avoid picking at the wound to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection or scarring.
6. Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within a weeks and six weeks time to ensure the incision is healing well and that there are no complications.