Armpit papillomas are a common problem among patients of different sexes and ages. Often the disease affects young people, sometimes children. Its causes and treatment 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 appear on the skin and cause unpleasant symptoms. They can have 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
Papillomas under the armpits, whose causes and treatment are different depending on the type, are divided into several classifications. Taking into account the peculiarities of the growth of neoplasm, endophytic and exophytic growths are distinguished. The first ones grow inside the skin and form only a small elevation on the skin.
The latter sprouts above the surface of the skin, has a different shape, size, significantly complicates a person's life. Doctors also distinguish between several types of growths, depending on the shape.
The most common are the following:
- Flatusually has a rounded shape, rises slightly above the skin, rarely causes discomfort to the patient. The patient only notices them when symptoms occur.
- Pointedare common, small in size, attached to the skin at the base, taper towards the tip as they grow. Neoplasms do not occur individually, more often in groups of several.
- Finger-shapedlooks pointed in appearance but has not one but two or three dots. They appear in the same way as previous growths, causing severe 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 most often appear under the armpits. They are very thin and are attached to the skin with a thin stem. Such structures can be easily damaged or even peeled off by careless movement or rubbing of clothing.
In addition, experts identify tumors 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 under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are the same for any type of disease, are not officially divided by experts into stages or degrees. However, physicians conditionally distinguish between the initial, progressive, and advanced stages of papillomatosis. Flat formations grow slowly, in the initial phase they do not appear in any way.
As the condition progresses, the patient feels discomfort, noticing a buildup.At an advanced stage, the neoplasm causes pain, it may bleed, and other smaller papillomas form next to it. Vulgar papillomas develop on the same principle.
Pointed papillomas appear in several places at once in the armpits. In the beginning, the patient does not feel pain. Furthermore, the number of growths is increasing. 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 more slowly, less frequently they become injured.
Infection ends in rare cases.Filamentous papillomas most often cause complications. In the initial phase, 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 cause pain, itching and are damaged by clothing and hygiene products while taking a bath.
Symptoms of papillomas under the armpits
In most cases, papillomatosis does not cause severe symptoms in the initial and progressive stages. The incubation period can last from several months to several years.
The most important signs in advanced cases will be the following:
- the formation of a small structure of different shapes and sizes;
- the appearance of a similar neoplasm next to it;
- slight dryness of the skin in the papilloma area;
- bleeding with damage to the structure;
- tenderness when rubbing papillomas with clothing;
- inflammation of the skin around the formations;
- the appearance of wounds or cracks.
In severe cases, an infection caused by the penetration of bacteria into small wounds is formed when the growth is damaged.
The causes of the appearance of papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which are almost always the same, occur as a result of penetration of the human papillomavirus into the body. Today, specialists know about 600 tribes. More than 70% of the world's population is infected with this virus, but it is activated under certain circumstances.
The most important contributing factors will be the following:
- weakening of immunity due to long-term illness;
- regular overexertion, intense physical activity;
- unhealthy diet, lack 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 sexually transmitted through the use of ordinary personal hygiene products. Children can be infected by 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 under laboratory conditions. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient. Such diagnostics are performed in any educational institution and are usually performed free of charge.
Armpit papillomas can be diagnosed in various 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 test, identify the exact cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The analysis is performed at 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.
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, more often in large clinics.
When to see a doctor
Papillomas in the armpits often do not cause tangible discomfort, but they interfere with their appearance and therefore require removal. It is worth contacting a specialist if the patient's psycho-emotional state is disturbed and complexes arise.
You should definitely see a doctor in case of damage to the growth and bleeding, severe pain, signs of inflammation in the skin around the neoplasms. The papilloma type, size and shape do not matter.
A visit to a specialist is indicated if HPV is detected during the polymerase chain reaction or screening test. Dermatologists and dermatovenerologists deal with the problems of papillomatosis. Usually the patient is referred to a specialized ward. If there is evidence of malignancy, 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, howevercan significantly reduce it if the following recommendations are followed:
- Normalization of the way of working and rest will eliminate overtime and a decrease in immunity as a result. It is necessary to set aside enough time for proper rest and try not to overload the body.
- Improving the quality of nutrition helps reduce the likelihood of developing vitamin deficiencies and weaken the body's defenses.
- Avoiding promiscuous intercourse and having a steady partner also helps reduce the risk of HPV infection.
- The use of barrier methods of contraception during 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 getting 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 of treating papillomas under the armpits
Armpit papillomas, the causes and treatment of which in most cases are related, are successfully eliminated with medication. In addition, specialists refer patients for procedures to remove growths. Sometimes the patient is allowed to use alternative medicine recipes.
Medicine
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 drug. It has an effect due to the content of the drug inosin 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 ointments are used together to enhance the effect. 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 pc. twice daily. The ointment is used to treat papillomas 3-4 times a day. Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub gently |
| High-efficiency antiviral agent. Rapidly 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 immunostimulatory and antiviral drug that works quickly, effectively even at an advanced stage and in 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 | The duration of the recording is 30 days. The daily norm is 1 tablet, it is worth taking with meals |
| An effective antiviral drug with high efficacy. Helps suppress HPV activity in multiple 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 at bedtime. If this is not enough, 2 candles will be introduced next week with a time interval of 72 hours |
Any of the drugs should only be prescribed by a doctor after examination and identification of the severity of papillomatosis.
Traditional methods
Some traditional medicine recipes are extremely effective in eliminating small neoplasms.
The most popular will be the following:
- Celandine juiceit is considered to be the most effective in the fight against growth. It is necessary to grind fresh grass, squeeze the juice out. Use a cotton swab, apply it only on the papilloma, avoid contact with healthy skin areas. Repeat the procedure morning and evening. After a few days, the growth turns black, after which it disappears. The duration of treatment is individual for each individual.
- Garlic juice and baby creama mixture for removing deposits. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from several cloves of garlic, mix with the cream in the ratio 1: 1. Store the resulting mass in the refrigerator. Every day, the composition is applied to the papilloma point by point, covered with a plaster and left 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 is enough to solve the problem, the papilloma disappears on its own. The efficiency of the method is high.
Each of the methods helps eliminate small papillomas of various shapes. They will not remove large neoplasms. It is strictly forbidden to use the funds when there are signs of inflammation in the growth or surrounding tissues.
Other methods
Some hardware techniques help remove even large growths in 1-3 procedures. The most popular method is laser burning. Using a special laser beam, the specialist acts on the papilloma, the tissues die out, and the growth disappears after a few days.
The affected area is pre-injected with anesthetic to reduce sensitivity.If necessary, another procedure is required if the papilloma was large.
Cryodestruction is an effective method of removing papillomas under the armpits.
Cryodestruction is a method of removing papillomas using liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (-170-2000).
The specialist treats the growth, the tissues die, the neoplasm disappears. Manipulation causes discomfort and therefore requires pain relief. Usually another procedure is not required, a visit is enough. Such methods are very effective and reduce the risk of recurrence of skin growth to a minimum.
Possible complications
In the absence of treatment, papillomas in the armpits are constantly damaged, wounds and areas of dermatitis form.The danger is the addition of infection with subsequent infection of the blood.The most common and serious complication is the transition from a benign neoplasm to a malignant one.
Therefore, it is imperative to treat papillomatosis. Armpit papillomas are a dangerous and unpleasant disease that causes mental and physical discomfort. The cause of the growths is HPV, and the treatment should aim to suppress it, as well as strengthen the immune system.