Underarm papillomas are a common problem among patients of different sexes and ages. Usually the disease affects adolescents, sometimes children. Its causes and treatment are closely interrelated, since it is possible to get rid of growths after eliminating the predisposing factor.
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 solitary and usually affect a specific area of the skin.The regular appearance of a large number of growths in medicine is called papillomatosis.
Types of papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which differ by type, are divided into several classes. Considering the features of the growth of the neoplasm, endophytic and exophytic growths are distinguished. The first grows deep into the skin and produces only a slight elevation in the skin.
The latter sprout above the surface of the skin, have a different shape, size, significantly complicate a person's life. Doctors also distinguish between several types of growths, depending on the shape.
The most common are:
- Straightusually has a rounded shape, slightly elevated above the skin, rarely causing discomfort to the patient. The patient only notices them when symptoms appear.
- markedcommon, small in size, adherent to the skin at the base, tapers towards the tip as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear alone, more often in several groups.
- finger-shapedit is pointed in appearance, but has not one but two or three points. They appear in the same way as previous growths and cause severe discomfort.
- Simple or coarse papillomasIt is the most common type. Their appearance resembles a mole, they have a rounded shape and rise slightly above the level of the skin.
- fibrousformations are most often seen in the armpits. They are very thin and are attached to the skin by a thin stalk. Such buildups can be easily damaged or even torn by careless movements or rubbing of clothing.
In addition, specialists detect growths that are prone to malignancy and never develop into a malignant neoplasm. The classification is conditional, the type is determined during diagnosis.
Stages and grades of papillomas under the armpits
Underarm papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are similar for any type of disease, are not officially divided into stages or grades by specialists. But doctors conditionally distinguish the initial, progressive and advanced stage of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, at the initial stage they do not appear at all.
As the condition progresses, the patient feels discomfort and notices accumulation.At an advanced stage, the neoplasm causes pain, can bleed, and other small papillomas are formed next to it. Vulgar papillomas proceed on the same principle.
Pointed papillomas appear in the armpits in several places at once. At first, the patient does not feel pain. In addition, the number of growth increases. At an advanced stage, the size and number of formations grow rapidly, the patient injures them and an infection joins.
Finger-shaped neoplasms develop in the same way as pointed ones, but they grow more slowly, they are less injured.
In rare cases, infection joins.Filamentous papillomas most often cause complications. In the first stage, one or two growths appear. Moreover, their number increases. At an advanced stage, most of the skin under the armpits is covered with growths, causing pain, itching and damaged by clothes and hygiene products when showering.
Symptoms of papilloma under the armpit
In most cases, papillomatosis does not cause serious symptoms in the initial and later stages. The incubation period can last from several months to several years.
In advanced cases, the main signs will be:
- the formation of a small accumulation of various shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of a similar neoplasm next to it;
- slight dryness of the skin in the area of the papilloma;
- bleeding with damage to the deposit;
- pain when rubbing papillomas with clothes;
- inflammation of the skin around the formations;
- the appearance of wounds or cracks.
In severe cases, an infection is added, triggered by the entry of bacteria into the small wounds that form when the growth is damaged.
Causes of the appearance of papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are almost always the same, appear as a result of the human papilloma virus entering the body. Today experts know about 600 strains. More than 70% of the world's population is infected with this virus, but it becomes active under certain conditions.
The main contributing factors will be:
- weakening of immunity as a result of prolonged illness;
- regular overwork, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy diet, lack of vitamins and minerals;
- chronic vitamin deficiency;
- frequent stressful situations;
- prolonged use of antibacterial drugs;
- going on a chemotherapy course.
Any of the factors can trigger the activation of the virus, the appearance of neoplasms. HPV is transmitted sexually through the use of common personal hygiene items. Children can be infected from their parents.
Diagnosis of papillomas under the armpits
Patients with symptoms of papillomatosis are recommended to see a specialist for a diagnostic examination. The first method of examination would be to examine the skin in the growth area. The doctor examines the affected area, assesses the condition of the papillomas and the possibility of their transformation into malignant tumors.
The next method would be a complete blood count.A blood sample is taken from a patient's vein or finger, and specialists examine it in laboratory conditions. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient. Such diagnostics are carried out in any educational institution and are usually carried out free of charge.
Underarm papillomas can be diagnosed in different ways. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is one of the main and most effective. It allows you to detect HPV in a patient's blood sample, determine the exact cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The analysis is carried out in large clinics.Some provincial clinics also perform PCR tests. Test - a highly accurate screening test that allows you to quickly identify different strains of HPV.
For research, the patient's blood is taken, then examined in special laboratories with reagents and equipment. Today, the method is considered the most effective and popular, it is carried out in all countries of the world, more often in large clinics.
When to see a doctor
Papillomas in the armpits usually do not bring tangible discomfort, but spoil their appearance and therefore need to be removed. If the psycho-emotional state of the patient deteriorates and complexes appear, it is worth contacting a specialist.
In case of growth and bleeding damage, severe pain, signs of inflammation of the skin around the neoplasms, you should definitely visit a doctor.The type, size and shape of the papilloma do not matter.
A specialist visit is indicated if HPV is detected during the polymerase chain reaction or screening study. Dermatologists and dermatovenerologists deal with papillomatosis problems. Usually the patient is directed to a special department. If there are signs of malignancy, consultation with an oncologist is indicated.
Prevention of papillomas under the armpits
The patient cannot completely exclude the possibility of infection with the human papillomavirus, butcan significantly reduce if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalizing the mode of work and rest will eliminate overwork and, as a result, a decrease in immunity. It is necessary to devote enough time to proper rest and try not to overload the body.
- It helps to improve the quality of nutrition, reduce the likelihood of developing a vitamin deficiency and weakening the body's defenses.
- Avoiding promiscuous sex and having a regular partner also help 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 persists for a long time on cloths, towels, and other personal items.
Each method minimizes, but does not eliminate, the risk of contracting HPV. Today there is no one hundred percent way to prevent the virus from entering the body.
Methods of treating papillomas under the armpits
Underarm papillomas, the causes and treatment of which in most cases are related, are successfully eliminated with medication. In addition, specialists refer patients to procedures to remove growths. Sometimes the patient is allowed to use alternative medicine recipes.
Medicines
For the treatment of papillomatosis, antiviral agents, vitamin complexes, ointments or gels for external use are prescribed.
| Action and efficiency | Scheme and course of treatment |
| Immunostimulating and antiviral drug. It has an effect due to the inosine pranobex it contains. 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. Often, suppositories and ointment are used together to enhance the action. The drug is effective at any stage of the disease | The duration of treatment does not exceed 10 days. Suppositories are injected into the rectum of 1 piece twice a day. Ointment is used to treat papillomas 3-4 times a day. A small amount is applied to the affected area and rubbed gently. |
| Antiviral agent with high efficiency. Quickly suppresses HPV activity, accelerates the process of getting rid of papillomas. Usually pills are prescribed together with the external form. | The course of treatment is 5-10 days. Tablets should be taken 1 piece 5 times a day before or after meals. Ointment or cream is applied to the affected areas up to 5 times a day. |
| An immunostimulating and antiviral drug that acts quickly, effectively even at an advanced stage and with severe skin lesions | The course of treatment is 10-14 days. 2 tablets should be taken 3 times a day, preferably after meals. |
| Multivitamin complex with vitamins and minerals. Effective for weakened immunity, helps the body fight HPV | The acceptance period is 30 days. The daily norm is 1 tablet, it is worth taking with meals. |
| An effective antiviral drug with high efficiency. Helps suppress HPV activity and prevent the emergence of new growths in a few applications | The course consists of only 3 applications with a frequency of 48 hours. The candle is inserted into the rectum before going to bed. If this is not enough, 2 candles are given next week with a 72 hour time frame. |
Any of the drugs should be prescribed only after examination by a doctor and determining the severity of papillomatosis.
traditional methods
Some traditional medicine recipes are quite effective in eliminating small neoplasms.
The most popular will be the following:
- celandine juiceconsidered the most effective in the fight against growths. It is necessary to grind fresh herbs, squeeze the juice. Using a cotton swab, apply only to the papilloma, avoiding contact with healthy skin areas. Repeat the procedure in the morning and evening. After a few days, the growth will turn black and then disappear. The duration of treatment is individual for each.
- Garlic juice and baby cream- a mixture for removing buildup. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from several cloves of garlic, mix it with cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator. Spot apply the composition to the papilloma every day, cover with a plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to eliminate a small formation.
- Natural Apple Cider VinegarIt will help remove growths under the armpits. It is necessary to lubricate the formation with the product 3 to 5 times a day and avoid 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.
Any of the methods will help eliminate small papillomas of various shapes. They do not remove large neoplasms. It is strictly forbidden to use funds when signs of growth or inflammation of the surrounding tissues appear.
Other methods. Other methods
Some hardware techniques help to remove even large growths in 1-3 procedures. The most popular method is laser burning. With the help of a special laser beam, the specialist acts on the papilloma, the tissues die, and the growth disappears after a few days.
Anesthetic is injected into the affected area beforehand to reduce sensitivity.If necessary, a second procedure is necessary if the papilloma is large.
Cryodestruction is an effective method for removing papillomas under the armpits.
Cryodestruction is a method of removing papillomas using liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperature (-170-2000).
The specialist processes the growth, the tissues die, the neoplasm disappears. Manipulation causes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. Usually a second procedure is not necessary, one visit is enough. Such methods are very effective and minimize the risk of recurrence of skin growths.
Possible complications
In the absence of treatment, papillomas in the armpits are constantly damaged, sores and areas of skin inflammation are formed.The danger is the attachment of infection with subsequent infection of the blood.The most common and serious complication is the transition of a benign neoplasm to a malignant one.
Therefore, the treatment of papillomatosis is mandatory. Underarm papillomas are a dangerous and unpleasant disease that causes psychological and physical discomfort. The growths are caused by HPV and treatment should be aimed at suppressing it as well as boosting the immune system.