Armpit papillomas are a common problem among patients of different sexes and ages. Often the disease affects adolescents, sometimes children. Its causes and treatment are closely related, since after eliminating the predisposing factor, it is possible to get rid of growths.
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 often affect a specific area of the skin.The regular appearance of growths in large numbers in medicine is called papillomatosis.
Types of papillomas in the armpits
Papillomas in the armpits, the causes and treatment of which differ depending on the 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 inside the skin, forming 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 between different types of growths, depending on the shape.
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.
- pointedthey are common, small in size, attached to the skin at the base, tapering towards the tip as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear individually, more often they appear in groups of more.
- In the shape of a fingerthey resemble the pointed appearance, but have not one, but two or three points. They appear in the same way as previous growths, causing severe inconvenience.
- 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 more often in the armpits. They are very thin and are attached to the skin with a thin stem. Such buildups can be easily damaged or even ripped off by careless movement or rubbing of clothing.
In addition, experts identify growths that are prone to malignancy and those that never turn into a malignant neoplasm. The classification is conditional, the type is detected during the diagnosis.
Stages and degrees of papillomas in the armpits
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 the initial, progressive and advanced stage of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, at the initial stage they do not appear in any way.
As the condition progresses, the patient feels discomfort, notices an accumulation.At an advanced stage, the neoplasm causes pain, can bleed, and other, smaller papillomas form next to it. Vulgar papillomas progress according to the same principle.
Pointed papillomas appear in several places at once in the armpits. At first, the patient feels no pain. In addition, the number of growths increases. At an advanced stage, the size and number of formations grow rapidly, the patient damages them, and an infection joins.
Finger-shaped neoplasms develop in the same way as pointed ones, but they grow slower, less often they are injured.
Infection joins in rare cases.Filamentous papillomas most often provoke complications. In the initial stage, one or two growths appear. In addition, their number increases. In an advanced stage, most of the skin in the armpits is covered with growths, causing pain, itching, and being damaged by clothing and hygiene products while taking a shower.
Symptoms of papillomas in the armpits
In most cases, papillomatosis does not cause severe symptoms in the early 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 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 accumulation;
- 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, provoked by the penetration of bacteria into small wounds formed when growth is damaged.
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas in the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are almost always the same, result from the penetration of the human papillomavirus into the body. Today, specialists know about 600 strains. More than 70% of the world's population is infected with this virus, but it activates under certain circumstances.
The main contributing factors will be the following:
- weakening of immunity due to prolonged illness;
- regular overwork, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy diet, deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
- chronic vitamin deficiency;
- frequent stressful situations;
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
- undergo a course of chemotherapy.
Any factor can trigger 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 in 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 condition 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 from a vein or finger, and specialists study it under laboratory conditions. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient. Such diagnostics is carried out in any educational institution and is usually carried out for free.
Armpit papillomas can be diagnosed in several 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 the appropriate treatment.
The analysis is carried out 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 precision.
For research, the patient's blood is taken, 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 to see a doctor
Papillomas in the armpits often do not bring tangible discomfort, but disturb their appearance and therefore require removal. It is worth contacting a specialist if the patient's psycho-emotional state is disturbed and complexes appear.
You should definitely visit 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 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 department. If signs of malignancy are present, consultation with an oncologist is indicated.
Prevention of papillomas in the armpits
The patient is not able to completely eliminate the likelihood of human papillomavirus infection, butcan significantly reduce it if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalization of the mode of work and rest will eliminate overwork and as a result a decrease in immunity. It is necessary to spend 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 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 persists for a long time in washcloths, towels, and other personal items.
Each method minimizes the risk of contracting HPV, but does not eliminate it. Today, there is no one hundred percent way to prevent the virus from entering the body.
Methods for the treatment of papillomas in the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are in most cases related, are successfully eliminated with drugs. In addition, specialists refer patients to procedures to remove the growths. Sometimes the patient is allowed to use alternative medicine recipes.
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 |
| Immunostimulating and antiviral drug. It has an effect due to the content of the inosine substance 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 eating. |
| Antiviral agent, it increases the body's defenses. It works thanks to the human interferon content. Most often, suppositories and ointments are used together to enhance 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 gently massaged |
| Highly efficient antiviral agent. Quickly suppresses the activity of HPV, accelerates the process of elimination of papillomas. Usually the pills are prescribed in combination with the external form | The course of treatment is 5-10 days. Tablets should be taken 5 times a day in the amount of 1 piece 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 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 for weakened immunity, it helps the body fight HPV | Duration of admission 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 in different applications and prevent new growths from appearing | The course consists of only 3 applications with a frequency of 48 hours. The candle is inserted into the rectum before bedtime. If that's not enough, 2 candles with a 72 hour time frame are introduced next week |
Any drug should be prescribed only by a doctor after examination and identification 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:
- Celandine juiceit is considered the most effective in the fight against growths. It is necessary to grind fresh grass, squeeze the juice. Using a cotton ball, apply it only to the papilloma, avoiding contact with healthy skin areas. Repeat the procedure morning and evening. After a few days, the growth will turn black, after which it will disappear. The duration of the treatment is individual for each.
- Juice of garlic and baby cream- a mixture to remove accumulations. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from several cloves of garlic, mix with the cream in a 1: 1 ratio. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator. Every day, apply the composition on the papilloma in a timely manner, cover with a plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to clear a small formation.
- Natural apple cider vinegarwill help remove growths in the armpits. It is necessary to lubricate the formation with the product from 3 to 5 times a day, avoiding its contact with a healthy cover. It usually takes 10 days to resolve the problem, the papilloma will disappear on its own. The effectiveness of the method is high.
Any of the methods will help eliminate small papillomas of various shapes. They will not remove large neoplasms. It is strictly forbidden to use funds 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 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.
The affected area is pre-injected with anesthetic to reduce sensitivity.If necessary, a second procedure is required if the papilloma was large.
Cryodestruction is an effective method of removing papillomas in the armpits.
Cryodestruction is a method of removing papillomas using extremely low temperature (-170-2000) liquid nitrogen.
The specialist processes the growth, the tissues die, the neoplasm disappears. Manipulation causes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. A second procedure is usually 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, wounds and areas of skin inflammation are formed.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 is why 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 aim at suppressing it, as well as strengthening the immune system.