A papilloma is a benign growth on the skin that results from the introduction of the human papilloma virus into the body. Occurs in representatives of all age groups and both genders. Despite its harmless nature, it can pose a threat of cellular malignancy, which increases greatly when the tumor is injured.
What causes papillomas?
The reason is that the papilloma virus enters the body. It causes excessively rapid growth of epithelial cells, which looks like a small tumor. The growths can be single or multiple.
The main cause of papillomas is HPV (human papillomavirus). Suspected factors include reduced immunity, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, harmful working and living conditions.
This virus is very common. Approximately 90% of all people on earth are carriers of it without knowing it. The carrier often has no growths on the body, but in most cases becomes a source of infection for other people. With strong immunity, the incubation period of the disease can last years, but once the immune system fails, warts appear on the body. They therefore primarily affect people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle or suffer from other illnesses. Papillomas and warts can appear during long-term work in hazardous industries or in dusty rooms. People who work with dangerous chemicals are at risk.
The reasons for the development of papillomas can also be:
- Frequent colds;
- Long-term drug therapy (especially antibiotics);
- Disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Allergic reactions of the body.
What causes papillomas to appear in areas of friction?
One of the most common answers to the question of why papillomas appear on the neck is friction and injury to the skin. If your skin suffers from tight clothing or wearing jewelry, growths are likely to occur, especially if your immune system is weakened and there is a hormonal imbalance.
For the same reason, growths appear under the armpits, under the breasts in overweight women, in folds of skin and fat. In this case, older people are more likely to develop keratomas - flat neoplasms caused by the same papilloma virus.
Why do papillomas appear in women?
In women, the likelihood of developing papillomas increases not only with a decrease in immunity, but also with hormonal imbalances. This can occur as a result of frequent stress, depression, overeating and weight gain. It is possible that papillomas appear after long-term use of oral contraceptives, as well as hormone therapy.
There is a possibility that the virus can be transmitted through inheritance. This is especially true of the virus that causes genital warts to develop.
Why do papillomas appear in men?
In men, papillomas most often occur in the genital area, anus and armpits. There are growths on the hands and face. The reasons lie in bad habits and unprotected sexual intercourse. People with non-traditional sexual orientation are particularly affected by new growths in the lower parts of the body. The virus is transmitted from the partner to her through friction. In this case, neoplasms spread to the inner surface of the anus, as well as into the oral cavity.
Papillomas during pregnancy
A woman's immune system is weakened during pregnancy. At the same time, the hormonal balance is lost. This creates a favorable environment for the appearance of papillomas on the body during pregnancy, even if infection with the virus occurred many years ago. In pregnant women, neoplasms can affect not only the hands, face or genitals, but also the larynx, trachea and other internal organs. If papillomas appear during pregnancy, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of papillomas in children
Growths appear on the hands and knees in children aged six months to one and a half years. The reason for this is the constant rubbing of the skin when crawling and falling. The virus penetrates the skin and develops rapidly against the background of fragile immunity.
Infections often occur in preschool and school-aged children in kindergartens, swimming pools, gymnasiums and other public places. The reason for this is the high humidity, which promotes the spread of the virus. Infection due to reduced immunity is also possible in this case if the child is often sick and does not comply with hygiene standards: bites nails, rarely washes his hands, tears off crusts on healing wounds, etc.
What to do if papillomas appear?
It is important to understand that the papilloma itself is the result of the introduction of a virus. Not only does it contribute to the formation of tumors that can develop into cancer, but it also disrupts the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, if there is a wart on the body or many papillomas appear, you should immediately consult a dermatologist.
Attention!This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or medical advice under any circumstances and should not be used as a substitute for a personal consultation with a professional doctor. For diagnostics, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors!