Papilloma is a benign growth on the skin that occurs due to the introduction of the 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 significantly when the tumor is injured.
What causes papillomas?
The reason is that the papillomavirus enters the body. It causes very rapid growth of epithelial cells, which looks like a small tumor. Increases can be single or multiple.
The main cause of papillomas is HPV (human papillomavirus). Presumptive factors are decreased immunity, hormonal imbalance, 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 growth 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 for years, but as soon as the immune system fails, warts appear on the body. That is why they mainly affect people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle or suffer from other pathologies. 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.
Also, the reasons for the development of papillomas can be:
- Frequent colds;
- Long-term drug therapy (especially antibiotics);
- Violation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Allergic reactions of the body.
What causes the appearance of papillomas in friction areas?
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 low and there is a hormonal imbalance.
For the same reason, growths appear under the armpit, under the breast in obese women, on the skin and fat folds. In this case, the elderly more often develop keratoma - flat neoplasms provoked by the same papillomavirus.
Why do papillomas appear in women?
For women, the likelihood of developing papillomas increases not only with a decrease in the level of immunity, but also with hormonal imbalance. This can happen as a result of frequent stress, depression, overeating and weight gain. It is possible that papillomas can appear after long-term use of oral contraceptives, as well as hormonal therapy.
There is a 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 men, papillomas most often appear in the genital area, anus and armpits. There are growths on the hands and face. The reasons lie in bad habits and unprotected sexual relations. People with non-traditional sexual orientation are especially affected by neoplasms in the lower parts of the body. The virus is transmitted to them from their partner during intercourse. In this case, neoplasms spread to the inner surface of the anus, as well as the oral cavity.
Papilloma during pregnancy
A woman's immune system weakens during pregnancy. At the same time, the hormonal balance is lost. This creates a favorable environment for papillomas to appear in the body during pregnancy, even if the 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
In children from six months to one and a half years, growths appear on the hands and knees. The reason for this is the constant friction of the skin when it crawls and falls. The virus penetrates the skin and develops quickly against a background of weak immunity.
In children of preschool and school age, infection often occurs in kindergartens, swimming pools, gyms and other public places. This is due to high humidity, which favors the spread of the virus. Infection due to reduced immunity in this case is also possible if the child is often sick and does not respect hygiene standards: bites nails, rarely washes hands, tears off crusts on healing wounds, etc.
What to do if papillomas start to appear
It is important to understand that the papilloma itself is the result of the introduction of a virus. It itself 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.
Careful!This article is posted for informational purposes only and under no circumstances constitutes scientific material or medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for a personal consultation with a professional physician. For diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors!