Papilloma is a benign skin growth that occurs due to the introduction of human papillomavirus into the body. It occurs in representatives of all age groups and both sexes. Despite its benign nature, it can pose a threat of cellular malignancy, which increases markedly when the tumor becomes damaged.
What causes papillomas?
The reason is that the papillomavirus enters the body. It causes excessively rapid growth of skin cells, which looks like a small tumor. Growths can be single or multiple.
The main cause of papillomas is HPV (human papillomavirus). Presumed factors are decreased immune system, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, harmful working and living conditions.
This virus is very common. About 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 it becomes a source of infection for other people. With strong immunity, the incubation period of the disease can last years, but as soon as the immune system fails, warts appear on the body. For this reason, they especially affect people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle or who suffer from other pathologies. Papillomas and warts can occur during long-term work in hazardous industries or dusty environments. People who work with dangerous chemicals are at risk.
Also, the reasons for the development of papillomas can be:
- Frequent colds;
- Long-term drug therapy (especially antibiotics);
- Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Allergic reactions of the body.
What causes the appearance of papillomas in the 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 jewelry, you are likely to experience growths, especially if your immune system is low and there is a hormonal imbalance.
For the same reason, growths appear in the armpits, under the breasts in obese women, in the folds of the skin and fat. In this case, older people more often develop keratomas - flat neoplasms caused by the same papillomavirus.
Why do papillomas appear in women?
In women, the probability of developing papillomas increases not only with a decrease in the level of immunity, but also with hormonal imbalances. This can happen due to frequent stress, depression, overeating and weight gain. It is possible that papillomas appear after long-term use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy.
There is the possibility of transmission of the virus through inheritance. This is especially true for the virus that causes the development of genital warts.
Why do papillomas appear in men?
In males, papillomas occur more often 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 a non-traditional sexual orientation are particularly affected by tumors in the lower areas of the body. The virus is transmitted to them by their partner during friction. In this case, the neoplasms spread to the internal surface of the anus and the oral cavity.
Papillomas in pregnancy
A woman's immune system weakens during pregnancy. At the same time, hormonal balance is lost. This creates a favorable environment for the appearance of papillomas on the body during pregnancy, even if the virus infection occurred many years ago. In pregnant women, tumors 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
In children between the ages of six months and one and a half years, growths appear on the hands and knees. The reason for this is the constant rubbing of the skin when crawling and falling. The virus penetrates the skin and develops rapidly in a context of fragile immunity.
In children of preschool and school age, infection often occurs in kindergarten, in the swimming pool, in the gym and in other public places. This is due to the high humidity, which favors the spread of the virus. Infection due to decreased immunity in this case is possible even if the child is often sick and does not comply with hygiene rules: bites his nails, rarely washes his hands, tears off scabs on healing wounds, etc.
What to do if papillomas begin to appear
It is important to understand that papilloma itself is the result of the introduction of a virus. By itself it not only contributes to the appearance of tumors that can develop into cancer, but also disrupts the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, if there is a wart on the body or many papillomas appear, you should immediately seek help from a dermatologist.
Attention!This article is published for informational purposes only and in no case constitutes scientific material or medical advice and should not replace an in-person consultation with a professional doctor. For diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors!