Armpit papillomas are a common problem among patients of different sex and age. Often, the disease affects adolescents, sometimes children. Its causes and treatment are closely interrelated, since 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 specific area of the skin.The regular appearance of growths in large numbers in medicine is called papillomatosis.
Types of papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, 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 first ones 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 several types of growths, depending on the shape.
The most common are the following:
- Flatusually have a rounded shape, rise slightly above the skin, rarely bring discomfort to the patient. The patient notices them only when symptoms appear.
- Pointedare common, small in size, attached to the skin at the base, taper towards the tip as they grow. Neoplasms do not appear singly, more often appear in groups of several.
- Finger-shapedresemble spiky 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.
- Filiformformations appear under the armpits most often. They are very thin and are attached to the skin with a thin stem. Such build-ups 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 diagnosis.
Stages and degrees of papillomas under 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 a build-up.At an advanced stage, the neoplasm provokes pain, it can bleed, and other smaller papillomas form next to it. Vulgar papillomas progress by the same principle.
Pointed papillomas appear in several places at once in the armpits. At first, the patient does not feel pain. Further, the number of growths increases. At an advanced stage, the size and number of formations grows 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, less often they are injured.
Infection joins in rare cases.Filamentous papillomas most often provoke complications. At the initial stage, one or two growths appear. Further, their number increases. At an advanced stage, most of the skin under the armpits is covered with growths, they provoke pain, itching, and are damaged by clothing and hygiene products while taking a shower.
Symptoms of papillomas under the armpits
In most cases, papillomatosis does not provoke severe symptoms at 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 growth of various shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of a similar neoplasm next to it;
- slight dryness of the skin in the area of papilloma;
- bleeding with damage to the build-up;
- 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 when the growth is damaged.
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are almost always the same, arise as a result of 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 is activated under certain circumstances.
The main contributing factors will be the following:
- weakening of immunity as a result of 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;
- undergoing a course of chemotherapy.
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 get infected from their parents.
Diagnosis of papillomas under the armpits
Patients with symptoms of papillomatosis are advised to see 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 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 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 done 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. 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 conduct PCR tests. Test - a screening test that allows you to identify different HPV strains quickly, has high accuracy.
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 carried out in all countries of the world, more often in large clinics.
When to see a doctor
Papillomas in the armpits often do not bring tangible 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 complexes appear.
You should definitely visit a doctor in case of damage to the build-up and bleeding, severe pain, signs of inflammation of the skin around the neoplasms. The type of papilloma, size and shape does 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 under the armpits
The patient is not able to completely eliminate the likelihood of infection with the human papillomavirus, butcan significantly reduce it if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalization of the mode of work and rest will eliminate overwork and a decrease in immunity as a result. It is necessary to devote enough time to 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 the body's defenses.
- Avoiding promiscuous sexual intercourse and having a regular partner also helps to 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 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 for treating papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are in most cases related, are successfully eliminated with medication. Additionally, specialists refer patients to procedures to remove 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 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 eating. |
| Antiviral agent, increases the body's defenses. It works thanks to the content of human interferon. Most often, suppositories and ointment 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 rubbed gently |
| Antiviral agent with high efficiency. Quickly suppresses HPV activity, accelerates the process of getting rid of papillomas. Usually 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 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 weakened immunity, 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 several applications, and prevent 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 at bedtime. If this is not enough, 2 candles are introduced next week with a time interval of 72 hours |
Any of the drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor after examination and identification of the severity of papillomatosis.
Traditional methods
Some traditional medicine recipes are highly 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 out the juice. Using a cotton swab, apply it only to the papilloma, avoiding contact with healthy skin areas. 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 removing build-ups. 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 to the papilloma pointwise, cover with a plaster and leave for 3 hours. It will take 7 to 14 days to eliminate a small formation.
- Natural Apple Cider Vinegarwill help remove growths under 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. Usually 10 days are enough to solve 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 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 off 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 for removing papillomas under the armpits.
Cryodestruction is a method of removing papillomas using liquid nitrogen of extremely low temperature (-170-2000).
The specialist processes the growth, the tissues die off, the neoplasm disappears. Manipulation provokes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. Usually a second procedure is not required, one visit is enough. 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 of a benign neoplasm to a malignant one.
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 be aimed at suppressing it, as well as strengthening the immune system.