Armpit papillomas are a common problem in patients of different sexes and ages. Often, the disease affects adolescents, sometimes children. The causes and its treatment are closely interrelated, as 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 solitary and often affect a certain area of skin.The regular appearance of large growths in medicine is called papillomatosis.
Types of papillomas under the armpit
Underarm papillomas, the causes and treatment of which vary depending on the type, are divided into several classifications. Considering the growth features of the neoplasm, endophytic and exophytic growths are distinguished. The former grow inside the skin, forming only a slight rise in the skin.
The latter grow on the surface of the skin, have different shapes, sizes, significantly complicate human life. Doctors also distinguish between several types of growths, depending on the shape.
The most common are:
- Flatusually have a rounded shape, rise slightly above the skin, rarely bring discomfort to the patient. The patient notices them only when symptoms appear.
- Pointyare common, small in size, attached to the skin at the base, conical toward the apex as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear alone, more often they appear in groups of several.
- finger-shapedresemble thorns in appearance but have not one but two or three dots. They appear in the same way as previous increases, causing serious concerns.
- Simple or vulgar 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.
- Filiformformations appear most often under the armpit. They are very thin and stick to the skin with a thin stalk. Such accumulations can be easily damaged or even torn by careless movement or rubbing of clothes.
In addition, experts identify growths that are prone to malignancy and those that never turn into a malignant neoplasm. Classification is conditional, type is detected during diagnosis.
Stages and scales of papillomas under the armpit
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are similar for each type of disease, are not formally divided by experts into stages or degrees. But doctors conditionally distinguish the initial, progressive and advanced stage of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, in the initial stage they do not appear in any way.
As the condition progresses, the patient feels discomfort, notices a buildup.At an advanced stage, the neoplasm provokes pain, bleeding may occur, and other smaller papillomas develop near it. Vulgar papillomas progress on the same principle.
Pointed papillomas appear in several places at once in the armpit. At first, the patient does not feel pain. Further, the number of increases increases. At an advanced stage, the size and number of formations increase rapidly, the patient damages them, and an infection joins.
Finger-shaped neoplasms develop in the same way as pointed ones, but they grow more slowly, seldom hurting.
Infection joins in rare cases.Filamentous papillomas most often provoke complications. In the initial stage, one or two growths appear. Further, their number increases. In an advanced stage, most of the skin under the armpit is covered with growths, they provoke pain, itching and are damaged by clothing and hygiene products during the shower.
Symptoms of underarm 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 as follows:
- forming a small cluster of different shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of a similar neoplasm near it;
- slight dryness of the skin in the papilloma area;
- bleeding with accumulation damage;
- 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 provoked by the penetration of bacteria into small wounds formed when the growth is impaired.
Reasons for the appearance of papillomas under the armpit
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are almost always the same, arise as a result of the penetration of human papillomavirus into the body. Today, specialists recognize 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 overtime work, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy food, lack of vitamins and minerals;
- chronic lack of vitamins;
- 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 common personal hygiene items. Children can be infected by their parents.
Diagnosis of papillomas under the armpit
Patients with symptoms of papillomatosis are advised to visit a specialist for a diagnostic examination. The first method of examination will be the 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 turning into malignant tumors.
The next method will be a complete blood count.A blood sample is taken from the patient by vein or finger and specialists study it in laboratory conditions. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient. Such diagnoses are performed in every educational institution and are usually done free of charge.
Armpit papillomas can be diagnosed in different ways. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is one of the most important and effective. 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 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 effective and popular, it is performed in all countries of the world, most often in large clinics.
When you see a doctor
Papillomas in the armpit often do not cause palpable discomfort, but they disturb their appearance, and therefore require removal. It is worth contacting a specialist if the patient's psycho-emotional state is disturbed and appear complex.
You should definitely visit the doctor in case of growth damage and bleeding, severe pain, signs of skin inflammation around neoplasms.Papilloma type, size and shape do not matter.
A visit to a specialist indicates whether HPV is detected during the polymerase chain reaction or screening study. Dermatologists and dermatovenerologists deal with the problems of papillomatosis. Usually the patient is referred to a specialized department. If signs of malignancy appear, consultation with an oncologist is indicated.
Prevention of papillomas under the armpit
The patient is not able to completely eliminate the likelihood of human papillomavirus infection, butcan significantly reduce it if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalizing the way you work and rest will eliminate excess work 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.
- Improving the quality of nutrition helps reduce the likelihood of developing vitamin deficiency and weakening the body's defenses.
- Avoiding debauchery and having a regular partner also helps reduce the risk of HPV infection.
- Use of contraceptive methods during sexual intercourse.
- Refusing to use other people's personal hygiene products. HPV persists for a long time on napkins, towels and other personal items.
Any method reduces the risk of contracting HPV 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 for treating papillomas under the armpit
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which in most cases are related, are successfully eliminated with medication. Moreover, specialists refer patients to procedures for removal of growths. Sometimes the patient is allowed to use alternative medicine prescriptions.
medications
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 |
| Immunostimulatory and antiviral drugs. Has an effect 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 you have eaten. |
| Antiviral agent, increases the body's defenses. It works thanks to the content of human interferon. Most often, suppositories and ointments are used together to improve action. 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. 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 agent. Quickly suppresses HPV activity, speeds up the papilloma removal process. Usually 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 an amount of 1 piece before or after meals. Ointment or cream is applied to the affected areas up to 5 times a day |
| An immunostimulatory and antiviral drug that acts quickly, effectively even in an 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. |
| Multivitamin complex containing vitamins and minerals. Effective on weakened immunity, it helps the body fight HPV | The duration of admission is 30 days. The daily rate is 1 tablet, it is worth taking with meals |
| An effective antiviral drug with high efficiency. Helps suppress HPV activity in some 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 this is not enough, next week 2 candles are inserted with a time interval of 72 hours |
Any medication should only be prescribed by a physician after examination and identification of the severity of papillomatosis.
Traditional methods
Some prescriptions of traditional medicine are very effective in eliminating small neoplasms.
The most popular will be as follows:
- Celandine juiceconsidered more effective in combating growth. It is necessary to grind fresh grass, squeeze the liquid. Using a cotton swab, apply it only to the papilloma, avoiding contact with healthy areas of the skin. Repeat the procedure in the morning and in the 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- a mixture for the removal of clumps. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from a few cloves of garlic, mix it with the cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator. Apply the composition on the papilloma daily in the direction of the spot, cover with plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to eliminate a small formation.
- Natural apple cider vinegarwill help remove underarm growths. It is necessary to lubricate the formation with the product from 3 to 5 times a day, avoiding its contact with a healthy cover. Usually 10 days are enough to solve the problem, the papilloma will disappear on its own. The effectiveness of the method is high.
Each of the methods will help eliminate small papillomas of different shapes. They will not remove large neoplasms. The use of funds is strictly prohibited when signs of growth inflammation or surrounding tissue appear.
Other methods
Some hardware techniques help to remove even large increases 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 tissue dies and the growth disappears after a few days.
The affected area is pre-injected with anesthesia to reduce sensitivity.If necessary, a second procedure is required if the papilloma was large.
Cryodestruction is an effective method for removing papillomas under the armpit.
Cryodestruction is a method for removing papillomas using extremely low temperature liquid nitrogen (-170-2000).
The specialist processes the growth, the tissues die, the neoplasia disappears. Manipulation provokes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. Usually a second procedure is not required, a visit is enough. Such methods are very effective and minimize the risk of recurrence of skin growths.
Possible complications
In the absence of treatment, armpit papillomas are constantly damaged, wounds and areas of skin inflammation form.The risk is increased infection with subsequent bloodstream infection.The most common and severe complication is the transition from a benign to a malignant neoplasm.
This is why treatment of papillomatosis is necessary. Armpit papillomas are a dangerous and unpleasant disease that causes psychological and physical discomfort. The cause of the increase is HPV and treatment should be aimed at suppressing it as well as strengthening the immune system.