If you found this blog post by searching “how to remove a dermatofibroma at home,” let us be the ones to tell you: Don’t do it! While it may seem easy enough to scrape or dig away that pesky little nodule, you’re likely to do more harm than good.
Need more convincing? Read on to learn why you should back away from the bump and trust your dermatofibroma removal to the pros.
What Are Dermatofibromas?
Dermatofibromas are harmless, raised skin nodules that typically develop after minor skin trauma—like a bug bite, razor nick, or small cut. During healing, the cells in the dermis overgrow, forming a bump that can range in colour from pink to dark brown.
While dermatofibromas are not cancerous or dangerous, they often linger for years and don’t go away on their own. For many people, these bumps become a long-term cosmetic concern, especially when located on visible areas like the arms or legs.
Can I Remove a Dermatofibroma Myself at Home?
The internet is full of home remedies for skin concerns, and dermatofibromas are no exception. But even though some at-home tricks—like massaging the area with oil—might seem harmless, they’re rarely effective. Worse, others may take the plunge and try to scrape the lesion away on their own.
Here are a few reasons why DIY removal is a bad idea:
- You risk infection and injury. “DIY” and “surgery” are two words that should never be in the same sentence. Without proper sanitization and knowledge of dermal anatomy, your efforts are more likely to harm than help.
- It might come back. Even if you appear to have removed the bump, dermatofibromas are likely to reappear unless completely removed by a trained surgeon.
- You might leave an even deeper and larger scar. Dermatofibromas are generally small. The more you dig around and injure your skin, the more likely you are to leave a deeper or wider scar than the original bump.
- It won’t harm you to wait for proper treatment. Because these little nodules are harmless, you don’t have to stress about removing them ASAP.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance or texture of your dermatofibroma, the best option is to see a qualified medical professional for proper removal.
What Is the Best Way To Get Rid of a Dermatofibroma?
Surgical excision is the safest and most effective way to get rid of a dermatofibroma for good. This quick procedure requires only local anesthesia, so you can drive yourself home and return to most of your usual activities right away. For more details about recovery, check out our post on 7 Things To Know About Dermatofibroma Removal.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove a Dermatofibroma in Toronto?
At our Toronto clinic, dermatofibroma removal starts at $495. In most cases, it’s a one-time procedure that does not require any follow-up care.
Because dermatofibromas are benign, removal is not covered by OHIP. However, patients often find the convenience, safety, and cosmetic results to be well worth the investment.
Get Started Today
If you would like to learn more about how our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons safely remove dermatofibromas, please request a consultation online or call (416) 663-9649.
This blog post was originally written in May 2022 and has been updated.
Leave a Reply