Papilloma is a benign tumor on the skin that occurs due to human papillomavirus entering the body. It occurs in all age groups and in both sexes. Despite its benign nature, it can be a threat to the malignant tumor of the cell, which grows rapidly if the tumor is damaged.
What causes papillomas?
The reason for this is that the papillomavirus enters the body. It causes skin cells to grow too fast, which looks like a small tumor. Growths can be single or multiple.
The main cause of papillomas is HPV (human papillomavirus). Presumable factors are reduced immunity, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, harmful working and living conditions.
This virus is very common. About 90% of people on Earth carry it without even knowing it. The carrier often does not have growths on the body, but in most cases it becomes a source of infection for others. 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 primarily affect people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle or suffer from other pathologies. Papillomas and warts can occur during long-term work in hazardous industries or in dusty rooms. People working with hazardous chemicals are at risk.
In addition, the causes of the formation of papillomas can be:
- Frequent colds;
- Long-term medication (especially antibiotics);
- Disturbance 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 skin damage. If your skin suffers from tight clothing or jewelry, then growth is likely to occur, especially if your immune system is low and hormonal imbalances are present.
For the same reason, growths appear under the armpits, under the breasts, in skin and fat folds in obese women. In this case, older people develop keratomas more often - flat neoplasms provoked by the same papillomavirus.
Why do papillomas appear in women?
In the case of women, the probability of developing papillomas increases not only with a decrease in immunity, but also due to hormonal imbalance. This can happen as a result of frequent stress, depression, eating too much and gaining weight. It is possible that papillomas can appear after long-term use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy.
It is possible to transmit the virus through inheritance. This is especially true for the virus that causes genital warts.
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 sex. People with a non-traditional sexual orientation are particularly affected by tumors that develop in the lower parts of the body. The virus is transmitted to them by their partner during friction. In this case, neoplasms spread to the inner surface of the anus, as well as to the oral cavity.
Papillomas during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system weakens. At the same time, the hormonal balance disappears. This creates a favorable environment for the appearance of papillomas in the body during pregnancy, even if the viral 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, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of papillomas in children
In children between six months and one and a half years, growths appear on the hands and knees. This is due to the constant rubbing of the skin when crawling and falling. The virus penetrates the skin and develops rapidly against the background of fragile immunity.
In preschool and school-aged children, the 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 is also possible in this case, if the child is often sick and does not follow hygiene regulations: he bites his nails, rarely washes his hands, scalds from 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, which can develop into cancer, but also disrupts the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, if there are warts on the body or many papillomas appear, immediately seek help from a dermatologist.
Attention!This article is for informational purposes only and does not under any circumstances constitute scientific material or medical advice and is not a substitute for personal consultation with a professional physician. Consult qualified doctors for diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment!