A pathological formation like a papilloma can appear in any person.Moreover, the older he is, the more their number can be on the body.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 above the epidermis in the form of an irregularly shaped droplet.Sometimes papillomas do not appear on the body, but on mucous membranes, ligaments and some organs.
The causative agent that causes the appearance of papillomas on 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, 5 of them appear most often on the human body.They all differ from each other:
- simple,which occur on the upper extremities.They can exist for decades, but sometimes they disappear on their own.They are most often observed in children and adolescents.
- flat,common on the neck, face, upper limbs.Sometimes they are the main factor for skin inflammation.
- plantar,causes great discomfort and severe pain.They affect the feet.
- thread-like,common in adults and older people.They are most often formed on the neck, groin area and armpits.Such papillomas are often localized in the area around.
- to point,which are often called warts.They appear on the genitals and are very dangerous.
Infection
Understanding why papilloma appears on the body, it is necessary to understand how the virus enters the body.There are the following ways to get infected with HPV:
- contact and household;
- sexual;
- generic.
The pathogen penetrates even through microscopic skin damage.Infection of newborns occurs in the birth canal of the mother - carrier of the papilloma virus.After infection, the child often develops anogenital warts or develops papillomatosis of the larynx.
Reasons for occurrence
Of course, the main reason for the formation of papillomas is HPV, but sometimes it does not show itself for years, and under favorable conditions it begins to actively develop on the body.There are various factors that provoke the progression of the disease.Causes of papilloma:
- low immunity;
- frequent infectious diseases;
- depression and stressful conditions;
- alcoholism;
- prolonged use of drugs, especially antibiotics;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- visiting public places such as saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Despite the fact that the causes of the appearance of viruses are different, the combination of several provoking factors causes the growth of a large number of tumors on the body.
Danger of papillomas
A person with HPV is at risk of developing cancer, because several types of papillomavirus are characterized by high oncogenicity.
They are often the main cause of malignant tumors in the genital area.Tumors most often develop in the elderly, although recently they have also appeared in quite young women.
Papillomavirus often causes erosion of the cervix, which increases the risk of cancer.For men, the virus does not pose a particular danger, as the probability of developing malignant tumors is very low.Papillomas on the genitals create a certain discomfort, which can interfere with a full sexual life.
These tumors on the body are often damaged.Injuries and infections of papillomas that are located in places of friction of clothes and on the folds of limbs are especially dangerous.
Very often, when shaving, men damage the formations on the face and neck.But any mechanical injury can lead to their 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 last several years.At the same time, the virus is not detected 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 located in groups.They arise on the palms, fingers and popliteal cavities.Such papillomas grow when the immune system does not work.
- Flat papillomasThe color practically does not differ from the color of the skin.They resemble cones with a flat top.These formations often become red and itchy.
- Plantar formationsvery reminiscent of blisters.In the initial stage of development, small lump-like neoplasms appear, which gradually turn into a papilloma with a characteristic edge.Smaller daughter formations appear next to it.
- Filiform papillomasThese are yellowish cones that gradually grow in length.Their size can reach 1-6 mm.
- Condylomas acuminataappear when the immune system does not work.In good health, this type of virus can lie dormant for decades.Under the influence of provoking factors, characteristic formations appear on the genitals.In men, they are localized on the scrotum, head of the penis and frenulum.In women, they appear on the clitoris, cervix, lips, vagina and anus.These painless formations, ranging in size from 1 mm to several centimeters, have a thin stalk.They are flesh-colored, with a pink or reddish tint.
A dermatologist will help diagnose the specific type of HPV.Specialists such as urologists and gynecologists also examine the genitals for the presence of tumors.In order to determine the oncogenicity of papillomas, a blood analysis is performed using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and DNA diagnostics.As a rule, the specialist suggests conducting the same studies on the patient's sexual partner.
In addition to the aforementioned tests, women are subjected to colposcopy and biopsy of the genital organs.Patients with oncogenic papilloma virus undergo medical examinations at the gynecologist twice a year.Pregnancy planning includes preliminary diagnosis and treatment of the virus.If genital warts are detected in a pregnant woman, the specialist recommends removing these tumors.
Treatment
Papillomas can be treated with different methods.They are most often removed by various modern methods.This includes:
- cryodestruction;
- laser destruction;
- thermocoagulation;
- chemical destruction;
- radiosurgical removal.
If HPV is detected in the body, conservative treatment is prescribed, during which special drugs are used.They stop the reproduction of viruses and increase the activity of immune cells.When the cervix is affected, special ointments are also used that are applied locally.Treatment of papillomavirus should be comprehensive.
Prevention
Getting rid of these tumors is much more difficult than preventing their appearance.Knowing why papillomas appear on the body, a person can protect himself as much as possible from infection with this virus.In order to do this, it is not enough to simply remove the causes of the disease, but it is necessary to carry out restorative therapy regularly.You should also follow all the rules of personal hygiene.
Since no one is immune from the papilloma virus, it is necessary to strengthen the body's immune system, maintain hygiene, practice protected sex and treat diseases of the nervous system in a timely manner.If these tumors appear, you should definitely undergo an examination by a doctor who will determine the type of HPV and recommend treatment.