Papilloma is a benign neoplasia formed from squamous epithelium, resembling a papilla in appearance. It appears on the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, paranasal sinuses, renal pelvis, bladder, but most often on the surface of the skin. Such neoplasms usually do not manifest themselves in any way. But it happens that papillomas itch, change size, color. Such symptoms should not be ignored.
Why do papillomas appear
The etiology of papillomas is most often viral. The causative agent is human papillomavirus (HPV) - the family Papovaviridae (monkey vacuolizing virus). It is known that more than 130 strains, each of which has its own characteristics and manifests itself in different ways. The virus is not resistant in the environment, infection occurs through direct contact. Predisposing factors for infection are smoking, vitamin deficiency, endometriosis, immunodeficiencies.
Once in the body, HPV first affects the basal (lying on the surface) epithelial cells. The penetration of the virus into the body is facilitated by microtrauma, cracks. For a long time, the virus can multiply, but does not manifest itself clinically. If HPV multiplies in the stratum corneum, then over time cell hyperplasia is observed.
Why do papillomas itch
Localization, color, form of the tumor depends on its pathogen. And the causes of itching, mainly depend on the characteristics of the papillomas.
Plantar papillomas, the causative agent of which is HPV 1, 2, 4, are small and cone-shaped. They are characterized by severe itching and even soreness, especially during walking. Neoplasms are confused with calluses and try to cauterize, open or use drugs to eliminate them. Injury with pressure, exposure to chemicals contained in drugs, causes irritation and itching.
Filamentous papillomas, or acrochords, arise as a result of damage to the HPV 3, 5, 8. The neoplasms are localized in the groin, axilla, neck, and on the skin around the eyes. Acrochords located in places where injury is possible often inflame and cause discomfort. If the papilloma itches on the eyelid, but does not blush and does not increase, it is most likely that it was inadvertently hooked, for example, during washing. If the neoplasm becomes inflamed, it becomes more, you should consult a doctor.
Is it possible to scratch papillomas?
Papilloma is a small, dense or soft to the touch formation on a long or short leg. Neoplasia consists of connective tissue stroma and epithelium. The stroma is filled with small vessels; bleeding is possible during their trauma.
If the papillomas itch, then touching them is highly not recommended. Any strain of the virus can infect humans. They are divided into three groups according to the degree of oncogenicity:
- Low risk. Single neoplasms, only on the surface of the skin, not posing a threat to the body. They only cause a cosmetic defect.
- Of average oncogenicity. Under the influence of certain factors can cause changes in the genome of the cell.
- High oncogenic risk. Papillomas with this strain of the virus often degenerate into cancerous tumors.
Combing the latter can lead to accelerated cell division. Papilloma, as a rule, increases in size, changes color (keratinized layer changes to a new one). The neoplasm can not only itch, but also hurt, and overall well-being can also worsen. With such symptoms, you should go to a dermatologist and oncologist.
Factors Affecting Itching
Why do papillomas itch on the neck, eyelid or elsewhere in their localization? The virus is to blame for the appearance of neoplasms. Its presence is abnormal, the body is trying to fight it, the immune system is gradually weakening. And since the virus is localized in papillomas, it is they that become more sensitive and react more sharply to various stimuli.
The most common itching irritants are:
- Inconvenient clothes or jewelry. Close linen rubs the papilloma, irritated skin begins to itch. Synthetic fabrics or clothing dyes can also irritate. Papillomas in the neck can itch from friction on metal jewelry.
- Allergy to soap, shower gel. Manifestations of allergies, such as redness, itching, usually occur in pathologically altered areas of the skin (scars, rashes, swelling, neoplasms).
- Poor hygiene. Rare trips to the shower, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion, as well as in diseases accompanied by profuse sweating, contribute to the reproduction of pathogenic flora. Non-observance of hygiene can threaten the introduction of another infection into the body. Reduced immunity contributes to the activation of HPV.
- UV exposure. As you know, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (sun, solarium) on the skin contributes to the malignancy of even cells not affected by the virus. If the cause of the appearance of papillomas was a high oncogenic risk virus, then ultraviolet light will accelerate the development of cancer. Itching may be due to active cell division.
- Hormonal drugs. Incorrectly selected steroid drugs or failure to follow the rules for their administration can cause hormonal disruptions in the body. Against their background, HPV can be activated.
Itchy papilloma, what to do?
Itching in the neoplasm is always caused by some reason. If the papillomas on the body itch, you do not need to panic right away. First you need to evaluate their size, color. It is necessary to exclude to the maximum all that can cause irritation of the papilloma: uncomfortable clothes, poor-quality jewelry, any substances that cause allergies, prolonged exposure to the sun.
In case of observation of visible changes in the neoplasm (enlargement, redness) and a pain sensation, it is necessary to visit a doctor. The greatest danger is the excessive activity of the virus. HPV is built into human DNA and spreads through the natural process of cell division. Under the influence of certain factors, the virus changes the genome of the cell, and it begins to divide randomly. Of course, not all hyperplasias develop into malignant tumors, but only a doctor can determine the exact nature of the tumor.
Medicines that relieve itching and their use
The examination always takes some time. If the papillomas itch, and it is difficult to endure itching, you can use medicines to alleviate the situation. Before using them, you should consult your doctor. Drugs that help relieve itching:
- Antihistamines. Means reduce hyperemia (redness occurs from combing the skin with your fingers), prevent the development of edema, and reduce the permeability of capillaries. In addition, if itching occurs due to allergies, then antihistamines will eliminate the cause itself. Medications must be chosen with fewer side effects and with greater and faster therapeutic efficacy. These include: “Fenistil”, “Zodak”, “Zirtek”.
- Local anti-inflammatory drugs, calcineurin inhibitors. The drugs act locally without causing skin atrophy and side effects. The most popular are the ointments "Elidel", "Protopic", "Tacropic".
- Antiseptic agents. The drugs have antimicrobial activity, prevent inflammatory processes. Unfortunately, they are not effective against viruses and are not suitable for the prevention of HPV. Quickly get rid of itching and inflammation will help "Miramistin", "Chlorhexidine."
Folk remedies to help relieve irritation
You can get rid of an unpleasant sensation of irritation not only with the help of medications, some folk remedies are no less effective:
- You can eliminate itching with a mixture of crushed garlic and butter in a 1: 1 ratio. The gruel is placed in cheesecloth and applied to the neoplasms for 30 minutes, then washed off with water.
- If itchy papillomas on the neck, where the use of garlic is not desirable, you can use castor oil. They are lubricated with neoplasms also twice a day, but unlike garlic mass, oil can be used no more than five days in a row.
- Sensation of irritation and inflammation well remove cabbage leaves. They must be applied to neoplasms for 40 minutes. You can apply in any free time, the number of times there are no restrictions. Some argue that using this method they completely got rid of papillomas.
Is it possible to remove papillomas?
Usually this is one of the first questions that arises when neoplasms appear. If the papillomas itch, it will be very logical to simply get rid of them - eliminating the object that causes itching will automatically relieve unpleasant sensations.
It is strictly forbidden to independently eliminate them. Papilloma removal services are offered by many medical organizations. Their cost depends on the method:
- cryodestruction - the destruction of pathological epidermal growths by exposure to them with liquid nitrogen;
- electrocoagulation - the procedure for removing an electric current of low frequency;
- laser destruction - destruction of a tumor with a laser.
Only papillomas of low oncogenic risk can be removed. Before invasive manipulation, an examination is mandatory.
What to do if itching at the site of papilloma removal
Removal of neoplasms does not guarantee that they will not appear again. It is necessary to eliminate the cause - HPV. If this is not done, then the virus can be activated at any time and neoplasms will reappear.
The main reason that after removal of the papilloma the skin itches is just the activation of HPV. The place where the operation was performed to eliminate the neoplasm, at first the most vulnerable. General therapy, as well as compliance with all medical recommendations, will help reduce the risk of papillomas reappearing. If itching occurs after removal, immediately inform the doctor.
Prevention of neoplasms
If the papillomas itch, then itching can be removed in various ways. But it is better to take measures to prevent neoplasms. Since the most common route of transmission of the virus is sexual, condoms must be used.
When planning pregnancy, you should undergo a full examination and, if HPV is detected, be treated. This will help reduce the risk of contracting a baby.
Conclusion
Any neoplasm is not normal for the body. Excessive cell division is not always severe. Regardless of whether the papillomas itch or not, a comprehensive examination is necessary when they occur. The appearance of neoplasms already indicates the activity of the virus, and tests will help to find out how dangerous the virus is.