Armpit papillomas are a common problem among patients of different sexes and ages. The disease often affects teenagers, sometimes children. Its causes and treatments are closely related, as after eliminating the predisposing factor, it is possible to get rid of the growths.
what are papillomas
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that arise in the skin and cause unpleasant symptoms. They can come in different shapes and sizes, are rarely solitary, and usually affect a specific area of skin.The regular appearance of growths in large numbers in medicine is called papillomatosis.
Types of papillomas under the armpits
Underarm papillomas, whose causes and treatments vary by type, are divided into several classifications. Taking into account the peculiarities of the growth of the neoplasm, endophytic and exophytic growths are distinguished. The former grow into the skin, forming only a slight rise in the skin.
The latter germinate above the surface of the skin, have a different shape, size, and significantly complicate a person's life. Doctors also distinguish between various types of growths depending on the shape.
The most common are as follows:
- Flatit usually has a rounded shape, rises slightly above the skin, rarely causing discomfort to the patient. The patient only notices them when symptoms appear.
- Pointedthey are common, small in size, adhered to the skin at the base, tapering towards the tip as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear individually, but often appear in groups of several.
- finger shapedthey look like sharp points, but they don't have one, but two or three points. They appear the same as previous growths, causing serious discomfort.
- Simple or common papillomasIt's the most common type. Its appearance resembles a mole, it has a rounded shape and rises slightly above the skin level.
- Filiformformations appear under the armpits more often. They are very thin and are attached to the skin by a thin rod. These build-ups can be easily damaged or even torn away by careless movement or friction of clothing.
In addition, experts identify tumors that are prone to malignancy and those that never develop into a malignant neoplasm. Classification is conditional, the type is detected during diagnosis.
Stages and degrees of papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, whose causes and treatments are similar for any type of disease, are not officially divided by specialists into stages or grades. But doctors conditionally distinguish between early, progressive, and advanced stages of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, in the initial stage they do not appear at all.
As the condition progresses, the patient feels discomfort and notices an increase.In an advanced stage, the neoplasm causes pain, may bleed, and other smaller papillomas form next to it. Common papillomas progress on the same principle.
Sharp papillomas appear in several places at the same time in the armpits. At first, the patient does not feel pain. Also, the number of growths increases. At an advanced stage, the size and number of formations grow rapidly, the patient damages them, and an infection ensues.
Finger-shaped neoplasms develop in the same way as pointed ones, but they grow more slowly, with less frequency of lesions.
The infection joins in rare cases.Filamentous papillomas often cause complications. In the initial stage, one or two growths appear. Also, their number increases. At an advanced stage, most of the skin under the armpits is covered with lumps, which are painful, itchy, and damaged by clothing and toiletries while showering.
Symptoms of papillomas under the armpits
In most cases, papillomatosis does not cause severe symptoms in the initial and progressive phases. The incubation period can last from several months to several years.
The main signs in advanced cases will be as follows:
- the formation of a small accumulation of various shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of a similar neoplasm next to her;
- slight dryness of the skin in the papilloma area;
- bleeding with accumulation damage;
- pain when rubbing papillomas with clothing;
- inflammation of the skin around the formations;
- the appearance of wounds or cracks.
In severe cases, an infection is added, caused by the penetration of bacteria in small wounds formed when growth is damaged.
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas under the armpits
Underarm papillomas, whose causes and treatments are almost always the same, arise as a result of human papillomavirus penetration 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 as follows:
- weakened immunity as a result of prolonged illness;
- regular overwork, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy diet, vitamin and mineral deficiency;
- chronic vitamin deficiency;
- frequent stressful situations;
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
- undergoing chemotherapy.
Any of the factors can trigger the activation of the virus, the appearance of neoplasms. HPV is sexually transmitted through the use of common personal care items. Children can be infected by their parents.
Diagnosis of papillomas under the armpits
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 growth site. The doctor examines the affected area, assesses the status of the papillomas and the likelihood of their transformation into malignant tumors.
The next method will be a complete blood count.A blood sample is taken from a patient's vein or finger and specialists study it under laboratory conditions. Based on the test results, the physician determines the patient's general condition. These diagnoses are performed at any educational institution and are generally free.
Armpit papillomas can be diagnosed in different ways. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is one of the main and most effective. 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 carry out PCR tests. Test - a screening test that allows you to identify different strains of HPV quickly, has high accuracy.
For the research, the patient's blood is collected, 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, more often in large clinics.
when to see a doctor
Underarm papillomas usually do not bring tangible discomfort, but they do disturb their appearance and therefore need to be removed. It is worth contacting a specialist if the patient's psycho-emotional state is disturbed and complexes arise.
Definitely, you should visit a doctor in case of damage to growth and bleeding, severe pain, signs of inflammation of the skin around the neoplasms. The type, size and shape of the papilloma do not matter.
A specialist visit is shown if 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 service. If there are signs of malignancy, consultation with an oncologist is indicated.
Prevention of underarm papillomas
The patient cannot completely eliminate the likelihood of human papillomavirus infection, butcan significantly reduce it if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalizing the work and sleep mode will eliminate overwork and, as a result, a decrease in immunity. It is necessary to dedicate enough time for adequate rest and try not to overload the body.
- Improving the quality of nutrition helps reduce the likelihood of developing vitamin deficiencies and weakening the body's defenses.
- Avoiding promiscuous sex and having a steady partner also helps to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
- The use of barrier contraceptive methods during sexual intercourse.
- Refusal to use other people's personal care products. HPV persists for a long time in cloths, towels and other personal belongings.
Each 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 to Treat Papillomas Under the Armpits
Underarm papillomas, whose causes and treatments are in most cases related, are successfully eliminated with medication. In addition, specialists refer patients for procedures to remove growths. Sometimes the patient may use alternative medicine prescriptions.
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 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 must take 2 tablets three times a day. It's best to do this after eating. |
| Antiviral agent, increases the body's defenses. It works thanks to the content of human interferon. Most of the time, suppositories and ointments are used together to increase the 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. 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 efficient antiviral agent. Quickly suppresses HPV activity, accelerates the process of eliminating papillomas. Usually the pills are prescribed in combination with the external form. | The course of treatment is 5 to 10 days. The tablets should be taken 5 times a day, in the amount of 1 piece, before or after meals. Ointment or cream is applied to affected areas up to 5 times a day |
| An immunostimulant and antiviral drug that works quickly and effectively even at 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 for weakening immunity, helps the body fight HPV | Duration of admission is 30 days. The norm for the day is 1 tablet, it is worth taking with meals |
| An effective antiviral drug with high efficiency. Helps suppress HPV activity in various applications and prevent new growth | The course consists of just 3 applications with a frequency of 48 hours. The candle is inserted into the rectum at bedtime. If that's not enough, 2 candles are introduced next week with a 72 hour time span |
Any of the medications should only be prescribed by a physician after examination and identification of the severity of the papillomatosis.
traditional methods
Some traditional medicine prescriptions are highly effective in eliminating small neoplasms.
The most popular will be as follows:
- celandine juiceit is considered the most effective in the fight against growths. It is necessary to grind fresh grass, squeeze out the juice. With a cotton swab, apply only to the papilloma, avoiding contact with healthy areas of 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 one.
- garlic juice and baby cream- a mixture to remove encrustations. It is necessary to squeeze the juice of several 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 to the papilloma punctually, cover with a plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to eliminate a small buildup.
- natural apple vinegarwill help remove underarm growths. It is necessary to lubricate the formation with the product 3 to 5 times a day, avoiding contact with a healthy layer. Usually 10 days is enough to resolve the problem, the papilloma will go away on its own. The method's effectiveness is high.
Either method will help eliminate small papillomas in a number of ways. They will not remove large neoplasms. It is strictly prohibited to use the funds when signs of inflammation in the growth or surrounding tissues appear.
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 works on the papilloma, the tissues die and the tumor disappears after a few days.
The affected area is pre-injected with anesthetic 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 extremely low temperature liquid nitrogen (-170-2000).
The specialist processes the growth, the tissues die, the neoplasm disappears. Manipulation causes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. There is usually no need for a second procedure, just one visit. These methods are very effective and minimize the risk of skin growth recurrence.
possible complications
In the absence of treatment, papillomas in the armpits are constantly damaged, sores and areas of inflammation in the skin form.The danger is the addition of infection with subsequent blood infection.The most common and serious complication is the transition from a benign to a malignant neoplasm.
That's why treating papillomatosis is critical. Underarm papilloma is a dangerous and unpleasant disease that causes psychological and physical discomfort. The cause of the growths is HPV and treatment should aim to suppress it, in addition to strengthening the immune system.