A pathological formation such as papilloma can occur in any person.In addition, the older it is, the greater their number on the body can be.To answer the question of why papillomas appear on human skin, it is necessary to study their nature in more detail.These formations are small benign tumors that develop from epithelial cells.They are located in the form of an irregularly shaped drop above the epidermis.Sometimes papillomas appear not on the body, but on the mucous membranes, ligaments and some organs.
The pathogen that causes the appearance of papillomas in the body is the human papillomavirus (HPV).Once it enters the body, it stays there forever.
species
Experts distinguish more than a hundred types of these neoplasms.Fortunately, five of them are most common on the human body.They are all different from each other:
- Simply,which occur in the upper extremities.They can persist for decades, but sometimes disappear on their own. They are most often seen in children and adolescents.
- Flat,Common on the neck, face and upper limbs.Sometimes they are a major factor in skin inflammation.
- plantar,causes great discomfort and severe pain.They affect the feet.
- threadlike,common in adults and older people.They most commonly form on the neck, groin and armpits.Such papillomas are often localized in the eye area.
- pointed,which are often referred to as condylomas.They form on the genitals and are very dangerous.
infection
To understand why papilloma appears on the body, it is necessary to understand how the virus enters the body.There are the following ways to become infected with HPV:
- contact and household;
- sexually;
- generic.
The pathogen also penetrates the skin through microscopic damage.Infection of newborns occurs in the birth canal of the mother - a carrier of the papilloma virus.After infection, the child often develops anogenital warts or laryngeal papillomatosis.
Reasons for appearing
The main reason for the formation of papillomas is, of course, HPV, but sometimes it does not show itself for years and begins to actively develop in the body under favorable conditions.There are various factors that provoke the progression of the disease.Causes of papilloma:
- low immunity;
- common infectious diseases;
- depression and stress conditions;
- Alcoholism;
- prolonged use of medications, especially antibiotics;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Visiting public places such as saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Although the causes of the appearance of the virus are different, the combination of several provoking factors leads to the growth of a large number of tumors in the body.
Danger of papillomas
A person with HPV is at risk of developing cancer, since several types of papillomaviruses are characterized by high oncogenicity.
They are often the main cause of the occurrence of malignant tumors in the genital area.Tumors most often occur in older people, but recently they have also appeared in relatively young women.
Papilloma viruses often cause cervical erosion, which increases the risk of cancer.The virus does not pose a particular danger to men, as the likelihood of them developing malignant tumors is very low.Papillomas on the genitals cause some discomfort, which can interfere with a fulfilling sexual life.
These tumors on the body are often damaged.Injuries and infections of papillomas located in places of friction on clothing and in the bends of the limbs are especially dangerous.
Very often, men damage formations on the face and neck when shaving.But any mechanical injury can lead to infection and degeneration into a malignant tumor.
Signs and diagnosis
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period lasts 2-3 months.In some cases it can take several years.At the same time, the virus does not reveal itself in any way, but under favorable conditions, papillomas quickly appear on the body.Signs of these neoplasms:
- Simple papillomashard with a rough surface.Their size can vary from 1 mm to several millimeters.They are often localized in groups.They form on the palms, fingers and backs of the knees.Such papillomas grow when the immune system is not functioning properly.
- Flat papillomasThe color is practically indistinguishable from skin tone.They resemble cones with a flat top.These formations often become red and itchy.
- Plantar formationsstrongly reminiscent of calluses.At the initial stage of development, small, bump-like neoplasms appear, which gradually turn into a papilloma with a characteristic border.Smaller daughter formations also appear.
- Filiform papillomasThey are yellowish cones that gradually become longer.Their size can reach 1-6 mm.
- Condylomas acuminataoccur when the immune system fails.In good health, this type of virus can remain inactive for decades.Under the influence of provoking factors, characteristic formations appear on the genitals.In men they are localized on the scrotum, the head of the penis and the frenulum.In women, they occur on the clitoris, cervix, labia, vagina, and anus.These painless structures, ranging in size from 1 mm to several centimeters, have a thin stalk.They have a flesh-colored, pink or reddish tint.
A dermatologist will help diagnose a specific type of HPV.Specialists such as urologists and gynecologists also examine the genitals for the presence of tumors.To determine the oncogenicity of papillomas, a blood test is carried out using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and DNA diagnostics.As a rule, the specialist recommends carrying out the same examinations on the patient's sexual partner.
In addition to the above tests, women undergo colposcopy and biopsy of the genital organs.Patients whose papillomavirus is oncogenic undergo a medical examination by a gynecologist twice a year.Pregnancy planning includes preliminary diagnosis and treatment of the virus.If genital warts are found in a pregnant woman, the specialist recommends the removal of these tumors.
Treatment
Papillomas can be treated using various methods.Most often they are removed using various modern methods.This includes:
- cryodestruction;
- laser destruction;
- thermocoagulation;
- chemical destruction;
- radiosurgical removal.
If HPV is detected in the body, conservative treatment is prescribed, which involves the use of special medications.They prevent the virus from multiplying and increase the activity of immune cells.If the cervix is affected, special ointments are also used that are applied externally.Treatment of papillomavirus should be comprehensive.
Prevention
Getting rid of these tumors is much more difficult than preventing them from occurring.Knowing why papillomas appear on the body, you can protect yourself as much as possible from infection with this virus.To do this, it is not enough just to eliminate the causes of the disease, it is also necessary to regularly carry out restorative therapy.You should also follow all rules of personal hygiene.
Since no one is immune to the papilloma virus, one should strengthen the body's immune system, pay attention to hygiene, practice safe sex and treat diseases of the nervous system immediately.If these tumors occur, you should definitely undergo a medical examination that will determine the HPV type and recommend treatment.