What Causes Painful Dermatofibroma Scar?

Posted on Sat, 27 Dec 2014

Question: Hi, I have an old scar due to the surgical removal of a dermatofibroma 2 years back. Yesterday the area was painful. I don't remember if I got any injuries over that area. I rubbed that area many times and it became swollen and the color became darker. Today the swelling is reduced, but still painful. Should I see the doctor?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Provide more information; upload photograph

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I have gone through your query.

One reason for it to be swollen and painful is probably because there is bacterial infection in there Or else it could be a local recurrence of dermatofibroma.
I would like to know whether is it itchy too? and does it feel like a hard, firm like a nodule or is it soft? Is there surrounding redness?
Can you upload a few photographs so that I am able to guide you better?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)

Hi, the lesion is very soft and not hard. It is not itchy. After extensive rubbing of the area, the surrounding portion changed color suddenly and became very much swollen. The whole area is very painful. After rubbing, there was a ring like white area surrounding the lesion which turned red later.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bacterial Infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Thank you for the picture.
This looks infected, probably due to scratching. There is crusting due to dried secretions, surrounding redness and swelling.
I will suggest a week of oral antibiotics. My choice would be either flucloxacillin Or Cephalexin.
Oral antibiotics are prescription products. You may contact your primary physician for the needful.
Topically you may use an OTC topical antibacterial e.g 2% mupirocin ointment, twice daily.
Refrain from further scratching.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar