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 interrelated, because after eliminating the predisposing factor it is possible to get rid of the growths.
What are papillomas
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that appear on the skin and provoke 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 papillomas under the arms
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which vary depending on the type, are divided into several classifications. Taking into account the peculiarities of the growth of the neoplasm, a distinction is made between endophytic and exophytic growths. The first grow inside the skin, forming only a slight rise in 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 form.
The most common are the following:
- Apartmentthey usually have a rounded shape, rise slightly above the skin, rarely bring discomfort to the patient. The patient notices them only when symptoms appear.
- Sharpenedare common, small in size, attached to the skin at the base, tapering to the tip as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear singly, more often they appear in groups of several.
- Finger-shapedresemble spikes in appearance, but have not one but two or three points. They appear in the same way as previous growths, causing serious discomfort.
- Simple or vulgar papillomasIs the most common type. Their appearance resembles a mole, they have a rounded shape and rise slightly above the level of the skin.
- Filamentousformations appear most often under the arms. They are very thin and are attached to the skin with a thin stem. Such accumulations can be easily damaged or even torn off by careless movement or rubbing of clothes.
In addition, experts identify growths that are prone to malignancy and those that never develop into a malignant neoplasm. The classification is conditional, the type is detected at the time of diagnosis.
Stages and degrees of papillomas under the arms
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are similar for any type of disease, are not officially divided by experts into stages or degrees. But doctors conditionally distinguish between the initial, progressive and advanced stages of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, in the initial stage they do not appear in any way.
As the condition progresses, the patient experiences discomfort, notices accumulation.At an advanced stage, the neoplasm provokes pain, may bleed, and other smaller papillomas form next to it. Vulgar papillomas progress on the same principle.
Acute papillomas appear in several places at once in the armpits. At first, the patient does not feel pain. In addition, the number of growths is increasing. At an advanced stage, the size and number of formations increase rapidly, the patient damages them and joins the infection.
Finger-shaped neoplasms develop in the same way as pointed ones, but grow more slowly and are less likely to be injured.
The infection joins in rare cases.Filamentous papillomas most often provoke complications. In the initial stage, one or two growths appear. In addition, their number is increasing. At an advanced stage, most of the skin under the arms is covered with growths, they provoke pain, itching, damage from clothing and hygiene products when taking a shower.
Symptoms of armpit papillomas
In most cases, papillomatosis does not provoke 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:
- the formation of a small accumulation of different shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of such a neoplasm next to it;
- mild dryness of the skin in the area of the papilloma;
- bleeding with impaired accumulation;
- soreness 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, provoked by the penetration of bacteria into small wounds formed by growth damage.
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas under the arms
Papillomas under the arms, the causes and treatment of which 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 result of prolonged illness;
- regular fatigue, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy diet, deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
- chronic vitamin deficiency;
- frequent stressful situations;
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
- undergoing a course of chemotherapy.
Each of the factors can cause the activation of the virus, the appearance of neoplasms. HPV is sexually transmitted through the use of ordinary personal hygiene items. Children can be infected by their parents.
Diagnosis of papillomas under the arms
Patients with symptoms of papillomatosis are advised to consult a specialist for a diagnostic examination. The first method of examination will be to examine the skin at the site of growth. The doctor examines the affected area, assesses the condition of the papillomas and the likelihood of them turning into malignant tumors.
The next method will be a complete blood count.A blood sample is taken from a patient from a vein or finger and the specialists examine it in a laboratory. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient. Such diagnostics are performed in every educational institution and are usually performed free of charge.
Armpit 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, identify the exact cause, and prescribe appropriate treatment.
The analysis is done in large clinics.Some provincial clinics also perform PCR tests. Test - A screening test that allows you to quickly identify different strains of HPV has high accuracy.
The patient's blood is taken for examination, after which it is tested in special laboratories with reagents and equipment. Today the method is considered the most effective and 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 cause noticeable discomfort, but disrupt 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 see a doctor in case of growth damage and bleeding, severe pain, signs of inflammation of the skin around the neoplasms. 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 dermatovenereologists deal with the problems of papillomatosis. The patient is usually referred to a specialized ward. In the presence of signs of malignancy, consultation with an oncologist is indicated.
Prevention of armpit papillomas
The patient is not able to completely eliminate the possibility of human papillomavirus infection, butcan significantly reduce it if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalizing the regime of work and rest will eliminate congestion and, as a result, reduce immunity. You need to take enough time for 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 of the body's defenses.
- Avoiding indiscriminate sex and being a regular partner also helps reduce the risk of HPV infection.
- The use of barrier methods of contraception during sexual intercourse.
- Refusal to use other people's personal hygiene products. HPV stays in towels, 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 papillomas under the arms
Armpit 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 prescriptions for alternative medicine.
Medications
Antiviral drugs, 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 has an effect due to the content of the substance inosine pranobex. Destroys HPV, stimulates the body's defenses. Very effective in every 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 due to the content of human interferon. Most often, suppositories and ointment are used together to enhance the effect. The drug is effective at every 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 gently |
| Highly effective antiviral tool. Quickly suppresses the activity of HPV, accelerates the process of getting rid of papillomas. The pills are usually 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 an amount of 1 piece before or after a meal. Ointment or cream is applied to the affected areas up to 5 times a day |
| Immunostimulatory and antiviral drug that acts quickly, effectively even in advanced stages 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. |
| Multivitamin complex containing vitamins and minerals. Effective in weakened immunity, helps the body fight HPV | The duration of admission is 30 days. The daily norm is 1 tablet, it is worth taking during a meal |
| An effective antiviral drug with high efficiency. Helps suppress HPV activity in several applications and prevents the growth 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 this is not enough, 2 candles are introduced next week with an interval of 72 hours |
Each of the drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor after examination and identification of the severity of papillomatosis.
Traditional methods
Some recipes from traditional medicine are very effective in eliminating small neoplasms.
The most popular will be the following:
- Celery juiceis considered the most effective in combating growths. It is necessary to grind fresh grass, to squeeze the juice. Using a cotton swab, apply it only on 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- mixture to remove accumulations. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from a few cloves of garlic, mix with the cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator. Every day, apply the composition on the papilloma in spots, cover with plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to remove a small formation.
- Natural apple cider vinegarwill help remove growths under the arms. It is necessary to lubricate the formation with the product 3 to 5 times a day, avoiding its contact with a strong shell. Usually 10 days are enough to solve the problem, the papilloma will disappear on its own. The efficiency of the method is high.
Each of the methods will help to remove small papillomas of different shapes. They will not remove large neoplasms. It is strictly forbidden to use the funds when there are signs of inflammation of the growth or surrounding tissues.
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 affects the papilloma, the tissues die and the growth disappears after a few days.
The affected area is pre-injected with anesthetic to reduce sensitivity.If necessary, a second procedure is needed if the papilloma was large.
Cryodestruction is an effective method for removing papillomas under the arms.
Cryodestruction is a method for removing papillomas with liquid nitrogen with extremely low temperature (-170-2000).
The specialist treats the growth, the tissues die, the neoplasm disappears. The manipulation provokes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. A second procedure is usually not required, one visit is sufficient. Such methods are very effective and reduce the risk of recurrence of skin growths to a minimum.
Possible complications
In the absence of treatment, papillomas in the armpits are constantly damaged, wounds and areas of skin inflammation are formed.The danger is the addition of infection with subsequent infection of the blood.The most common and severe complication is the transition from benign to malignant neoplasm.
Therefore, it is imperative to treat papillomatosis. Armpit papillomas are a dangerous and unpleasant disease that causes psychological and physical discomfort. The cause of the growths is HPV and treatment should be aimed at suppressing it, as well as strengthening the immune system.