Dermatofibromas

Dermatofibromas are small, firm, lightly pigmented, growths in the dermis layer of the skin resulting from an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. They are benign and harmless. The condition typically appears on the legs or upper arms and mostly affects adult women and immune deficient individuals. Removal is not necessary, but sometimes dermatofibromas will be removed surgically or frozen with liquid nitrogen.

While dermatofibromas are harmless it is important for a physician to confirm diagnosis since they can be similar in appearance to a melanoma or a dermatofibromasarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Always seek medical attention if the lump bleeds, grows quickly or becomes painful.