Armpit papillomas are a common problem in patients of different genders and ages. The disease often affects adolescents, sometimes children. Its causes and treatment are closely related, because after the elimination of the predisposing factor, it is possible to get rid of the growth.
What are papillomas
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that appear on the skin and cause unpleasant symptoms. They can be of different shapes and sizes, are rarely single and often affect a specific area of skin.The regular appearance of growths in large numbers in medicine is called papillomatosis.
Types of armpit papillomas
Armpit papillomas, whose causes and treatment vary by type, are divided into several classifications. Taking into account the peculiarities of neoplasm growth, endophytic and exophytic growths are distinguished. The first ones grow inside the skin, creating only a slight elevation on the skin.
The latter germinate above the surface of the skin, have a different shape, size, significantly complicate a person's life. Doctors also distinguish several types of growths, depending on the shape.
The most common are the following:
- Stanthey usually have a rounded shape, rise slightly above the skin, rarely bring discomfort to the patient. The patient notices them only when symptoms appear.
- Pointedare common, small in size, attached to the skin at the bottom, tapering towards the top as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear individually, they appear more often in groups of several.
- In the shape of a fingerthey look like spikes, but they don't have one, but two or three points. They appear in the same way as the previous growths, causing serious discomfort.
- Simple or vulgar papillomasHe is the most common type. Their appearance is reminiscent of youth, they are rounded in shape and rise slightly above the level of the skin.
- Filiformformations most commonly occur under the armpits. They are very thin and are attached to the skin by a thin stem. Such deposits can be easily damaged or even torn off by careless movement or rubbing of clothing.
In addition, experts identify growths that are prone to malignancy and those that never progress to a malignant neoplasm. The classification is conditional, the type is revealed during the diagnosis.
Stages and degrees of armpit papilloma
Armpit papillomas, whose causes and treatment are similar for any type of disease, are not officially divided into stages or stages by experts. But doctors conditionally distinguish between the initial, progressive, and advanced stages of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, in the initial phase they do not appear in any way.
As the condition progresses, the patient feels discomfort, notices accumulation.In the advanced stage, the neoplasm causes pain, can bleed, and other smaller papillomas appear next to it. Vulgar papillomas progress on the same principle.
Spiky papillomas appear in several places at once in the armpit. Initially, the patient does not feel pain. Furthermore, the number of growths increases. In the advanced stage, the size and number of formations grow rapidly, the patient damages them and joins the infection.
Finger-shaped neoplasms develop in the same way as spikes, but grow more slowly, are less likely to be injured.
In rare cases, infection occurs.Filamentous papillomas most often cause complications. In the initial stage, one or two growths appear. Furthermore, their number is increasing. In the advanced stage, most of the skin under the armpits is covered with growths, causing pain, itching, damage to clothing and hygiene products when showering.
Symptoms of armpit papilloma
In most cases, papillomatosis does not cause severe symptoms in the initial and progressive stages. The incubation period can last from several months to several years.
The main signs in advanced cases will be the following:
- formation of small clusters of different shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of a similar neoplasm next to it;
- mild dryness of the skin in the area of the papilloma;
- bleeding with damaged deposits;
- pain when rubbing papillomas with clothing;
- inflammation of the skin around the formation;
- the appearance of a wound or crack.
In severe cases, an infection caused by the penetration of bacteria into small wounds caused by damage to the growth is added.
Reasons for the appearance of armpits papillomas
Armpit papillomas, whose causes and treatment are almost always the same, occur as a result of the penetration of the human papilloma virus into the body. Today, experts know about 600 strains. More than 70% of the world's population is infected with this virus, but it is activated under certain circumstances.
The main contributing factors will be the following:
- weakening of immunity as a consequence of long-term illness;
- regular overwork, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy diet, lack of vitamins and minerals;
- chronic vitamin deficiency;
- frequent stressful situations;
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
- undergo a course of chemotherapy.
Any of the factors can cause the activation of the virus, the appearance of neoplasms. HPV is transmitted sexually using the usual means of personal hygiene. Children can be infected by their parents.
Diagnosis of armpit papilloma
Patients with symptoms of papillomatosis are advised to go to a specialist for a diagnostic examination. The first method of examination will be an examination of the skin at the site of growth. The doctor examines the affected area, assesses the condition of the papillomas and the likelihood of their transformation into malignant tumors.
The next method will be a complete blood count.The patient is taken a blood sample from a vein or finger, and experts study it in laboratory conditions. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient. Such diagnostics are performed in any educational institution and are usually done free of charge.
Armpit papillomas can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is one of the main and most efficient. It allows you to detect HPV in a patient's blood sample, identify the exact cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The analysis is done in large clinics.Some provincial clinics also conduct PCR tests. Test - a screening test that allows you to quickly identify different HPV strains, has high accuracy.
The patient's blood is taken for research, after which it is studied in special laboratories with reagents and equipment. Today, the method is considered the most efficient and most popular, it is performed in all countries of the world, more often in large clinics.
When to see a doctor
Armpit papillomas often do not bring tangible discomfort, but they impair their appearance and therefore require removal. It is worth contacting a specialist if the patient's psycho-emotional state is disturbed and complexes appear.
Be sure to visit a doctor in case of damage to the growth and bleeding, severe pain, signs of inflammation of the skin around the neoplasm. The type of papilloma, size and shape do not matter.
A visit to a specialist is indicated if HPV is detected during a polymerase chain reaction or screening study. Dermatologists and dermatovenerologists deal with the problems of papillomatosis. Usually the patient is referred to a specialized ward. If signs of malignancy are present, consultation with an oncologist is indicated.
Prevention of armpit papillomas
The patient is not able to completely eliminate the likelihood of human papilloma virus infection, butcan be significantly reduced if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalizing the way you work and rest will eliminate overwork and as a result reduce immunity. It is necessary to dedicate enough time to proper rest and try not to overload the body.
- Improving the quality of nutrition helps to reduce the likelihood of developing vitamin deficiency and weakening the body's defenses.
- Avoiding promiscuous sex and a regular partner also helps reduce the risk of HPV infection.
- Use of barrier methods of contraception during sexual intercourse.
- Refusal to use other people's personal hygiene products. HPV stays in rags, towels and other personal items for a long time.
Each method reduces the risk of HPV infection to a minimum, but does not eliminate it. Today, there is no one-hundred-percent way to prevent the virus from entering the body.
Methods of treating armpit papillomas
Armpit papillomas, whose causes and treatment are in most cases related, are successfully eliminated with medication. In addition, specialists refer patients to procedures to remove growths. Sometimes the patient is allowed to use prescriptions of alternative medicine.
Medications
Antiviral agents, vitamin complexes, ointments or gels for external use are prescribed for the treatment of papillomatosis.
| Action and efficiency | Scheme and course of treatment |
| Immunostimulating and antiviral drug. It works due to the content of the substance inosine pranobex. Destroys HPV, stimulates the body's defenses. Very effective in any form and stage of the disease | The course of treatment lasts from 10 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the condition. You should take 2 tablets three times a day. It is best to do this after a meal. |
| Antiviral agent, increases the body's defenses. It works thanks to the content of human interferon. Most often, suppositories and ointment are used together to enhance the effect. The drug is effective at any stage of the disease | The course of treatment does not exceed 10 days. Suppositories are injected into the rectum 1 piece twice a day. The ointment is used to treat papillomas 3-4 times a day. A small amount is applied to the affected area and rubbed in lightly |
| High efficiency antiviral agent. It quickly suppresses the activity of HPV, accelerates the process of getting rid of papillomas. Usually the pills are prescribed in combination with the external form | The course of treatment is 5-10 days. The tablets should be taken 5 times a day in the amount of 1 piece before or after a meal. Ointment or cream is applied to the affected areas up to 5 times a day |
| Immunostimulating and antiviral drug that acts quickly, effectively even in advanced stage and severe skin lesions | The course of treatment is 10-14 days. It is necessary to take 2 tablets three times a day, preferably after meals. |
| A multivitamin complex containing vitamins and minerals. Effective in weakened immunity, it helps the body fight HPV | The duration of admission is 30 days. The daily norm is 1 tablet, it is worth taking with a meal |
| An effective, highly effective antiviral drug. It helps to suppress HPV activity in several applications and prevents the appearance of new growths | The course consists of only 3 applications with a frequency of 48 hours. The candle is inserted into the rectum before bedtime. If that is not enough, 2 candles with a time interval of 72 hours are introduced next week |
Any of the drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor after examination and determination of the severity of papillomatosis.
Traditional methods
Some traditional medicine recipes are very effective in eliminating small neoplasms.
The most popular will be the following:
- Celery juiceit is considered the most effective in the fight against growths. It is necessary to grind fresh grass, squeeze the juice. Use a cotton swab to apply it only to the papilla, avoiding contact with healthy parts of the skin. Repeat the procedure in the morning and evening. After a few days the growth will turn black, after which it will disappear. The duration of treatment is individual for each.
- Garlic juice and baby cream- debris removal mixture. It is necessary to squeeze the juice of a few cloves of garlic, mix with cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator. Every day, apply the composition on the papilla in a spot, cover with a plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to eliminate the small formation.
- Natural apple cider vinegarit will help remove armpit growths. The formation needs to be lubricated with the product 3 to 5 times a day, avoiding its contact with a healthy cover. Usually 10 days is enough to solve the problem, the papilloma will disappear on its own. The efficiency of the method is high.
Either method will help remove small papillomas of various shapes. It will not remove large neoplasms. It is strictly forbidden to use the means when signs of inflammation of the growth or surrounding tissues appear.
Other methods
Some hardware techniques help remove even large growths in 1-3 procedures. The most popular method is laser incineration. With the help of a special laser beam, the specialist works on the papilloma, the tissues die off and the growth disappears after a few days.
An anesthetic is pre-injected into the affected area to reduce sensitivity.If necessary, a second procedure is needed if the papilloma was large.
Cryodestruction is an effective method for removing underarm papillomas.
Cryodestruction is a method of removing papillomas with liquid nitrogen of extremely low temperature (-170-2000).
The specialist treats the growth, the tissues die off, the neoplasm disappears. Manipulation causes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. Usually no other procedure is needed, one visit is enough. Such methods are very effective and reduce the risk of recurrence of skin growths to a minimum.
Possible complications
In the absence of treatment, armpit papillomas are constantly damaged, forming wounds and areas of skin inflammation.The danger is the addition of infection with subsequent blood infection.The most common and most serious complication is the transition from a benign to a malignant neoplasm.
Therefore, it is necessary to treat papillomatosis. Armpit papillomas are a dangerous and unpleasant disease that causes mental and physical discomfort. The cause of the growth is HPV and the treatment should be focused on its suppression, as well as on strengthening the immune system.