What causes skin fibroma and what are the symptoms

Dermatofibroma is a benign skin tumor caused by multiple factors, often induced by trauma, genetics, inflammatory stimulation, etc. It usually appears as a light brown or reddish brown raised nodule with a hard texture and no or slight pain. For diagnosed fibroma, treatment should be selected based on whether the symptoms cause functional or aesthetic problems. Common methods include topical medication, cryosurgery or surgical excision.

1 Causes of Dermatofibroma

The occurrence of dermatofibroma may be related to many factors:

Genetic factors: Some people may have a genetic susceptibility, which may cause cutaneous fibroma to cluster in the family.

Traumatic factors: Long-term friction or minor skin wounds caused by carelessness may cause abnormal proliferation of local tissue during repair and gradually form fibromas.

Chronic inflammation: Repeated infections or inflammatory stimulation, such as insect bites, folliculitis and other unhealed inflammations, may also stimulate abnormal proliferation of local skin tissue.

Hormonal or physiological changes: Some people find that cutaneous fibromas are more likely to appear or increase in size during pregnancy or when endocrine disorders occur.

2 Main symptoms

Dermatofibroma usually presents as single or multiple hard nodules with smooth or slightly rough surface, mostly with a diameter of 0.5-2 cm, and mostly light brown, reddish brown or off-white in color. It will not disappear on its own, and some fibromas may cause slight pain when touched or pressed, but usually do not affect function. If the nodules are too large or the distribution is particularly obvious, it may cause some aesthetic problems.

3 Treatment and management methods

Most dermatofibromas do not require special treatment and can be managed with observation and follow-up, but if cosmetic problems, increased pain, or enlargement occur, the following treatment options may be considered:

Cryotherapy: Use low-temperature liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin fibroma tissue to death and then fall off. It is suitable for small fibroma and is not likely to leave obvious scars.

Surgical excision: Complete removal of the fibroids through surgery under local anesthesia is suitable for patients with larger nodules that grow repeatedly or cause discomfort.

Laser treatment: Carbon dioxide laser or other skin laser technology can effectively remove superficial skin fibromas with less damage to the surrounding skin.

In the case of recurrence after incomplete resection, patients should be reviewed regularly and further treated if necessary.

Skin fibromas are mostly benign lesions, but if they grow too fast, cause persistent irritation and pain, or have multiple nodules, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of malignant diseases. Daily prevention can avoid repeated friction or irritation of the skin, pay attention to local hygiene, and avoid squeezing or scratching the fibroma. For skin changes that cannot be judged by yourself, it is recommended to seek help from a professional dermatologist.