A dermatofibroma, or benign fibrous histiocytomas, is a benign nodule in the skin, typically on the legs, elbows and chest of an adult. It is usually painless.Its size usually ranges from 0.2cm to 2cm, and have been reported to be larger. It typically results from mild trauma such as an insect bite. Risk factors for developing multiple dermatofibromas include lupus, HIV, blood cancer and some medicines that weaken immunity.It is usually diagnosed by its appearance, but a biopsy may be required. Other bumps such as granular cell tumor, melanoma, clear cell acanthoma and dermatofibrosis lenticularis disseminata may look similar. Reassurance is generally given and usually no treatment is needed. It can remain unchanged for years, but can resolve spontaneously. Signs and symptoms
Dermatofibromas are hard solitary slow-growing papules (rounded bumps) that may appear in a variety of colours, usually brownish to tan; they are often elevated or pedunculated. A dermatofibroma is associated with the dimple sign; by applying lateral pressure, there is a central depression of the dermatofibroma. Although typical dermatofibromas cause little or no discomfort, itching and tenderness can occur. Dermatofibromas can be found anywhere on the body, but most often they are found on the legs and arms. They occur most often in women; the male to female ratio is about 1:4. The age group in which they most commonly occur is 20 to 45 years. Some physicians and researchers believe dermatofibromas form as a reaction to previous injuries such as insect bites or thorn pricks.
Fountain syndrome is an autosomal recessive congenital disorder characterized by mental retardation, deafness, skeletal abnormalities and a coarse face with full lips. The abnormal swelling of the cheeks and lips are due to the excessive accumulation of body fluids under the skin. The deafness is due to malformation of the cochlea structure within the inner ear. Signs and symptoms
Cause
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Diagnosis
Fountain syndrome is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. It can be diagnosed by thorough clinical evaluation, characteristic physical findings, and specialized tests such as audiological tests and scans of the inner ear and brain. Treatment
Unfortunately, there is not one specific treatment option that can rid a person of this syndrome. However, there are many routes one can take to make living with this disease a lot easier. For example, there are many treatment programs that doctors can specialize for patients and their needs. Meeting with a doctor is very crucial and these specializations can be very useful. Also, one can seek help from pediatricians, EENT doctors, audiologists, and orthopedists. Brace fittings, hearing aids, and physical therapy can also be pushed by ones doctor, so that a patient can live normally. Additionally, anticonvulsant drugs can be used to stop seizures. References
Fountain RB (1974). "Familial bone abnormalities, deaf mutism, mental retardation and skin granuloma". Proc R Soc Med. 67 (9): 878–879. PMC 1645940. PMID 4431800. Fryns JP (1989).