From the Research
Discharge instructions for a 9-year-old male with a dermatofibroma should focus on reassurance and basic wound care, as dermatofibromas are benign skin growths that typically don't require specific treatment. The most recent and highest quality study on pediatric dermatofibromas, published in 2024 1, provides valuable insights into the characteristics and management of these lesions in children. According to this study, pediatric dermatofibromas are most common on the back and chest, and are often misdiagnosed clinically. Given this information, the following discharge instructions are recommended:
- Keep the area clean by washing gently with mild soap and water once daily.
- No special dressings are needed unless the lesion was biopsied or removed, in which case apply petroleum jelly and a bandage for 1-2 days.
- The child can resume normal activities immediately, including bathing and swimming.
- For any discomfort, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given at a dose of 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours.
- Watch for signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever, which would warrant medical attention. It is also important to note that while dermatofibromas are benign, other lesions such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) can be aggressive and require prompt treatment, as highlighted in studies published in 2014 2 and 2022 3. However, based on the most recent and highest quality study, the primary focus for a 9-year-old male with a dermatofibroma should be on reassurance and basic wound care, with follow-up only necessary if the appearance changes significantly or becomes concerning.