What is a dermatofibroma?
A dermatofibroma (also called a histiocytoma) is a very common benign “little bump” in the skin. Favourite sites are the legs and arms. Women develop dermatofibromas slightly more often than men. Sometimes a dermatofibroma causes pain, but usually it causes no complaints.
What does it look like?
A dermatofibroma feels like a firm little disc or ball in the skin. It is attached to the skin but can be moved over the underlying layer. When pinched, it feels like a “little pill in the skin”. It is skin-coloured or slightly pigmented.
How does it develop?
How and why a dermatofibroma develops is not known. It probably involves a slightly derailed scar reaction after minor damage to the skin, such as an insect bite or an inflamed hair follicle.
What can be done about it?
A dermatofibroma is a completely benign skin lesion, so treatment is not necessary. It can, if desired, be cut out, after which the skin is stitched; when it is not completely removed, it is likely to return (recurrence).
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a firm skin bump changes, grows, becomes painful, or if you are unsure of the diagnosis and would like it checked.