Papillomas under the armpits and on the neck: causes of appearance and what the danger is

Author of the article

Dmitry Savelyev

Practicing dermatovenerologist, graduated from the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov.

Articles written

Papillomas can occur on any part of the body, affecting not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes. Most often they appear on the neck, genital area and armpits. This location of papillomas is dangerous, since the neoplasm can be constantly injured due to shaving or rubbed with clothing.

What are papillomas?

Papillomas are small tumor-like growths that grow on the surface of the skin and usually rise several millimeters. Their size varies from a few millimeters to 2 cm (sometimes larger tumors are also found). Papillomas are usually pigmented pink or flesh-colored; dark ones are less common.

Threaded papillomas under the arms

Growths that appear under the armpits, as a rule, do not pose a danger to humans, as they are benign. However, under the influence of external factors such as shaving, the action of chemicals (deodorants and antiperspirants), and inflammation, the tumor may begin to gradually change. This can lead to its degeneration into a malignant tumor, which is a symptom of oncology.

Papillomas that occur under the arms have distinctive features:

Small size. In this area, the size of the tumor rarely reaches more than 10 mm. The minimum size is 1 mm.
Form. Axillary papillomas have a thin stalk at the base. Such growths are popularly called “hanging”. They are soft to the touch and uniform in structure.
Lack of growth. Papillomas located under the armpits rarely grow more than 1 cm. As a rule, they remain small, but due to external factors the disease can progress. Because of this, the number of papillomas may increase, i.e. papillomatosis occurs.

Despite their dangerous location, axillary papillomas rarely become malignant. This usually happens with tumors localized on the genitals.

Causes of neoplasms

Growths appear on the patient’s body due to the penetration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) into his body. The main routes of transmission of papillomavirus:

sexual;
contact and household;
during childbirth from mother to child.

Pattern of human papillomavirus infection
Those who have used clothing or other personal belongings of the patient may be at risk. High-risk locations are public places such as baths, saunas, and swimming pools. These rooms are not sterile and hygienic, which, combined with high humidity, makes the environment optimal for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria.

For this reason, people with weak immunity and unhealed wounds on their skin should not visit such places.

Prevention of papillomas under the arms

In order to prevent the appearance of papillomatosis in this area and reduce the risk of relapse, you need to follow a number of rules:

Maintaining and strengthening the body’s defenses: balanced nutrition, feasible physical activity, maintaining a consistently positive psycho-emotional background;
Following the rules of intimate hygiene: individual hygiene products and items: towel, sponge, careful and regular procedures;
Use of gentle cosmetic and hygiene products. Deodorizing and cleaning products must be hypoallergenic and have a neutral pH level. This will prevent irritation of the formation and nearby tissues;
Using a condom during sexual intercourse;
It is planned to visit a doctor for monitoring and timely treatment of various diseases and pathologies, the exacerbation of which can significantly reduce the body’s defenses.

Treatment

Today there are many methods aimed at treating papillomavirus. Doctors note that simply removing papillomas is not enough to combat HPV. It is important to act on the virus from the inside by taking prescribed medication. It comes down to taking the following means:

antiviral (prevent viral cells from multiplying and also prevent infection of new cells);
immunostimulating (drugs that enhance immunity usually contain interferon);
immunomodulatory (medicines aimed at restoring the immune system that protects the body from the effects of the virus).

Removal

In parallel with the prescription of drug therapy, the growth is excised. The patient should make the decision to remove the papilloma together with the attending physician. Usually, if the papilloma does not bother you, it is recommended to simply observe it. However, when the growth begins to increase, change color, shape, or other papillomas appear, this is a signal that it is better to remove the tumor.

To do this, there are several methods that have proven themselves in such procedures:

Cryodestruction. The removal of growths occurs under the influence of liquid nitrogen, which freezes the skin. Its temperature reaches -170°C, thanks to which cold crystals can easily destroy the affected cells. Some time after the procedure, the growth begins to gradually fall off.
Laser destruction. This method is based on the action of a high-frequency laser that “evaporates” papillomas. Its impulses penetrate deep into the skin, destroying all layers of altered epithelium. After this, the vessels are sealed using a laser, which stops bleeding and minimizes the risk of infection.
Electrocoagulation. The affected area is exposed to high temperature, cauterizing the changed cells. A scab forms at the site of exposure and falls off after a few days. The procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia. This method of removal is often used for growths on legs.

There is also surgical excision, which is rarely used for axillary papillomas. It involves removing growths along with tissue using a scalpel. This method is most often used for large tumors, which is not typical for papillomas under the arms.

How to remove papillomas under the arms, watch in our video:

Stories from our readers

Got rid of these terrible tumors at home. A month has already passed since I forgot about the bleeding and nasty growths in the most “prominent” places. Oh, I tried so many things - it helped, but only temporarily. How many times did I go to the clinic, but they prescribed useless medications over and over again, and when I returned, the doctors simply shrugged their shoulders. There were also folk remedies such as potatoes, which did not help. I also tried various celandines, which also turned out to be ineffective. I was already on the verge of a nervous breakdown and wanted to literally “cut” them, but then a miracle happened... Finally, there is not a single growth on my body and all thanks to this article. Anyone who has “unloved” growths should read this! You will forget about this problem forever, just as I forgot about it!

Read the full article >>>

We have also prepared a video for you on the removal of papilloma using electrocoagulation:

Treatment at home

The patient can try to remove small papillomas on his own. However, it is important to remember that this does not eliminate the need for drug treatment, as the growths may appear again.

To remove papillomas, ordinary plants are often used, whose juice can have a healing effect. Among these:

Celandine. Celandine juice can be used every other day and gently lubricate the papilloma with it. If it is small, 5-7 procedures are enough for the growth to shrink, turn black and fall off.
Celandine juice is used to cauterize papillomas
Dandelion. The resulting juice can be applied to the growth 3-4 times a day. This will help to reduce it and gradually dry out. You can also make a tincture from dandelion by adding propolis, which has bactericidal properties.
Onions or garlic. You need to prepare a small paste from them and apply to papillomas 1-2 times a day. You can also leave the mixture for several hours, securing it with a band-aid.
Aloe or Kalanchoe. The leaves of these plants help equally well in the fight against papillomas. A freshly cut leaf must be applied to the growth overnight and secured with a bandage. You can repeat the procedure every other day.

Among other means used to remove papillomas:

iodine solution;
laundry soap;
boric acid.

Some people decide to remove the growths with a thread, but doctors prohibit resorting to this method. Removal with a thread can result in traumatization of the neoplasm, which can lead to inflammation and infection.

Traditional methods

Their action is based on cauterization of growths with strong tinctures, decoctions, and plant juices.

Important!

Removing growths using folk remedies is allowed only if there is no inflammation, the papilloma is small in size and has a skin tint.

Tincture of walnuts on kerosene

To prepare it you will need to collect young green walnuts. They should be finely chopped using a meat grinder until they become mushy. Fill ½ part of a liter jar with the mass, pour kerosene to the upper edges of the container.

The jar is stored under a plastic lid in a cool place for 3 weeks. After this, the infusion is filtered through several layers of gauze and put in the refrigerator. Used for lotions and wiping affected areas. Treatment with kerosene tincture is continued for at least 2-3 months.

Freezing with herbal decoction

If single papillomas grow under the arms, they can be removed with ice. You will need plants: birch mushroom, string and celandine. You can use both fresh and dried raw materials. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions and crushed with a blender. Then the gruel should be poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1 tbsp. spoon for 500 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 3 hours.

To carry out the procedure, the product must be poured into ice trays and placed in the freezer. Herbal ice is applied to the papilloma and held for several minutes until the skin is thoroughly frozen. Therapeutic manipulations are continued until the growth completely disappears. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day.

Treatment with celandine

Here are instructions on how to get rid of papillomas using celandine. Recommends collecting fresh stems and leaves of the plant and grinding them through a meat grinder. Squeeze thoroughly through several layers of gauze, the resulting juice is poured into a bottle. Add a few drops of castor oil and aloe juice to the container.

A clean cloth soaked in the prepared solution is applied to the area of papilloma located under the armpits. Apply a compress and leave the bandage on for 2 days. As a rule, results can be achieved through several procedures.

Important!

Folk remedies cause drying and darkening of the growth. However, cutting or pulling it out is prohibited. It’s better to wait a while and the tumor will disappear on its own.

Pharmacy products

At home, you can try to cauterize the tumor with one of the following compositions:

Mix 5 crushed aspirin tablets with iodine tincture;
2% alcohol solution of boric acid. 2 grams of powder are stirred in half a glass of 95% alcohol;
Cotton swabs are dipped in ammonia and applied to the affected area;
Small koloboks are made from flour and acetic acid.

The papilloma is inflamed and hurts: what to do?

Inflammation of the growth may be indicated by symptoms such as:

redness of the skin in the area where papilloma occurs;
the occurrence of pain and itching at rest and when touched;
increase in tumor size;
change in pigmentation;
periodic occurrence of bleeding.

In case of inflammation, the patient is advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of a malignant tumor.

If damage has already occurred, and there is no way to see a doctor, the patient must take the following steps:

treat the affected area with an antiseptic;
apply a bandage or plaster;
use drugs that accelerate tissue regeneration ( Solcoseryl, Actovegin , etc.)

If the growth is painful to the touch, you should not try to remove it yourself. Home remedies can worsen the condition of a damaged papilloma and become the key to the development of further inflammation. If it is observed for several days, it is recommended to use a gel that has antiviral properties - Panavir, Viferon , etc.

To prevent infection, the wound must be washed with disinfectant solutions until it heals.

At the time of contacting a doctor, the issue of removing the tumor will be decided. If a specialist has diagnosed it as benign, removal should take place as soon as possible. However, if after an injury the papilloma changes color and bleeding appears, this may be a sign of the beginning development of oncology. Therefore, removal of any tumors requires prior consultation with a doctor.

Diagnosis of papillomatosis under the arms

Diagnostic measures to determine the nature of the disease and the method of treatment include:

Consultation with a dermatologist. The doctor will assess the extent of papillomatosis in the axillary area and prescribe treatment. In this case, the individual characteristics of the patient are taken into account:

Pregnancy;
Age criteria;
Chronic diseases;
Lifestyle (smoking, drinking alcohol, nutrition).

Instrumental and laboratory research:

PCR studies carried out to identify the type of pathology (smears and scrapings are taken);
A biopsy that allows a detailed examination of the microscopic area of the papilloma.