Can papillomas disappear on their own or should they be helped?

An important quality of any disease is the possibility of self-healing from it. If a person can recover on his own, without complications or risk to life, the prognosis is considered favorable. When a disease cannot be self-healed, but does not lead to life- or health-threatening conditions, the process is considered chronic. Can papilloma go away on its own, or once it appears, will it remain for the rest of your life? To answer this question, it is necessary to understand the causes of their occurrence and the process of their development.

What is papilloma?

Development of papilloma on the face
It should be noted right away that papilloma is not cancer, but belongs to the category of benign tumors. These growths generally have a warty appearance, and appear not only on the skin, but can also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, larynx, vagina, etc.

The culprit of the appearance of neoplasms is the human papillomavirus (or HPV), which easily penetrates into a weakened body. This happens through contact - through handshakes, during sexual intercourse, through damaged skin surfaces (wounds, scratches, abrasions).

Papillomas appear even in children in the form of warts. But they may not appear immediately, having once entered the body - HPV can lurk there for years without showing itself in any way. And only a weakened immune system gives the impetus for the papilloma to begin to grow.

Types of papillomas

• simple warts appear in childhood and adolescence in the form of round-oval growths on the skin up to 2 mm high;
• vulgar warts in children can be seen on the feet, palms, fingers; their height reaches 3 mm, and the surface is covered with scales;
• condylomas acuminata look like a cockscomb or cauliflower; they can grow in the mouth, in the genital area and anus, in the urethra and vagina;
• acrochords are filiform warts that appear in people over 35 years of age; these papillomas have a thin stalk and grow up to 5 mm; appear on the neck, eyelids, under the mammary glands, armpits, and groin.

Doctors find other types of papillomas in internal organs, so they are difficult to notice. Treatment of external formations usually comes down to dermatotherapy and improving immunity. Only in extreme cases do they resort to surgical intervention.

How to protect yourself from the virus

Photo 2. A healthy lifestyle strengthens the immune system and protects against viruses.
Source: Flickr (dacadoo health platform). To minimize the likelihood of infection, you need to follow simple rules:

• careful observance of personal hygiene ;
• treatment of any damage to the surface of the skin and mucous membranes ;
• strengthening the immune system by any available means;
• taking medications only after consultation with a doctor;
• stress control;
• adherence to daily routine;
• balanced diet.

If you follow all the above recommendations, the immune system will respond normally to external stimuli and the virus will not be able to spread throughout the body.

Reasons for the disappearance of papillomas

Activation of the immune system
In some cases, papillomas may also suddenly disappear as they appeared. But this does not happen with every type of neoplasm. Warts that appear in childhood usually disappear on their own with age under the influence of the immune system.

In adults, the hormonal system also comes into play, the failure of which can provoke the manifestation of certain types of papillomas. Condylomas of a pointed form and papillomas with a thin stalk will not go away on their own, as they are associated with health problems.

If antibiotics are used in the treatment of diseases, their excess can also cause the appearance of papillomas, and most often they appear on the tongue. Once the drugs are completely eliminated from the body, it is hoped that the effect of the papillomavirus may weaken and the growths will go away, but this will take a long period.

Self-disappearance of papillomas: wait or treat?

Treatment of inflamed papillomas by a dermatologist
Some people do not think about whether papillomas can suddenly disappear on their own. Therefore, they try to speed up the process, without waiting for this event, but also without contacting a doctor. In this case, the skin formations are removed manually, which is strictly forbidden. This will lead to the following consequences:

• at the site of the severed wart, a wound remains, through which infection easily penetrates;
• You shouldn’t completely hope for HPV to disappear - the remaining cells will begin to divide even more actively, and instead of one wart you can get a whole “bouquet”;
• after prolonged healing, an ugly scar will appear on the body, which will cause cosmetic inconvenience.

The most dangerous consequence of self-removal of papillomas is their degeneration into a malignant tumor. But the ongoing process cannot be determined by external signs, and the time required for timely treatment will be missed, which can lead to death.

Even if a person has the patience not to touch the papillomas, you should not wait for them to go away on their own. In any case, you need to visit a doctor (dermatologist, gynecologist, venereologist) to clarify the nature of the neoplasm and make sure that there is nothing dangerous.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor himself will decide whether to prescribe serious treatment or get by with restorative therapy. In any case, the patient will be prescribed immunostimulating and antiviral drugs. Doctors often suggest getting rid of warts using laser, radio waves, liquid nitrogen, cauterization, etc.

The mechanism of HPV appearance in the body

Activation of the virus occurs when the skin is injured. The superficial layer of the skin or mucous membrane is affected. Epidermal cells begin to multiply. Lack of treatment for papillomas with high and medium oncogenic risk leads to the formation of malignant tumors.

Routes of infection

1. Sexual contact is the most common method of transmission. In men, the disease is often asymptomatic; he may not even be aware of the presence of HPV. A condom does not provide protection - the virus penetrates through latex.
2. Household method. Infection occurs by shaking hands (rarely), kissing, or using the patient’s personal belongings.
3. Vertical transmission route - pathology is transmitted to the baby when passing through the mother’s birth canal.
4. Infection through skin injuries: scratches, abrasions. Self-infection of healthy skin areas in this way.

Abortions, early onset of sexual activity, and the presence of cancer patients in a family line contribute to the manifestation of HPV.

Factors promoting and preventing the disappearance of papillomas

Vitamins and minerals
The virus penetrates so deeply into the human body that it is not possible to completely destroy it even with the help of drastic measures. Papillomas can disappear on their own if the patient adheres to certain rules:

• it is necessary to constantly stimulate your immune system by using pharmaceutical or homeopathic medicines;
• switch to a balanced diet that supplies the body with vitamins and minerals (supplementing it with dietary supplements);
• observe hygiene standards and avoid questionable contacts;
• give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs) that affect immunity;
• treat diseases in a timely manner, preventing their protracted course.

But even compliance with all these factors does not guarantee the complete disappearance of papillomas, because HPV is constantly present in the human body. It can remain in a “dormant state” for a long time until it manifests itself again. And the reason for this will be the following moments:

• chronic diseases;
• various infections (even common acute respiratory infections);
• disruptions in the functioning of many organs, and primarily in the gastrointestinal tract;
• physical and mental fatigue;
• taking antibiotics and oral contraceptives.

If at least one of the listed factors is present at the time of treatment of existing papillomas, then the therapy may be ineffective.

Treatment

No one will be surprised by skin growths that suddenly disappear. It is recommended to pay attention not only to the moment of their disappearance, but also to the period when they appeared. Most likely, there was a drop in the body's defenses. In order to help your body fight, it is better to start a war with neoplasms in time.

Medication

A conservative solution to the problem of activated HPV consists of the use of several groups of medications:

1. Vitamin complexes (Multivit, Alphabet, Complivit and others).
2. Antiviral agents (Viferon, Izoprinzin and others).
3. Immunomodulators and immunostimulants (Isoprinosine, Amiksin, Timalin, Eleutherococcus extract and others).

Drug intervention in the body is carried out under the guidance of a doctor. Calculation of dosage and course duration also cannot be done independently. It is preferable to remove the hated tumors using the most radical method:

• surgically;
• using a laser;
• using radio waves;
• by electrocoagulation method.

Only a doctor can choose one method or another. This depends on the appearance of the formation (whether there is a leg, whether it has turned black, etc.) and its location. Usually, after removal by a radical method, treatment with medications follows, which is why it is possible to completely block the activity of HPV.

ethnoscience

Traditional medicine can be used in conjunction with basic treatment. If for some reason it is impossible to remove the tumors surgically, you can try lubricating them with celandine or dandelion juice.

The disadvantages of such treatment are its duration, the advantages are the low cost of funds. In the past, traditional healers used the juice of garlic and green sour apple to combat scourge.

What to do if the papilloma falls off on its own?

Antimicrobial agent
It should be taken into account that not all growths disappear for the above reasons, but they may fall off. And this usually happens due to the fact that the papilloma on the leg is accidentally caught (with a towel, razor or nail). The remaining warts that have arisen due to a weakened immune system will simply resolve with improved health (but the virus itself will not disappear).

When the condyloma falls off, you will need to take the following measures:

• if there is bleeding, the wound is treated with hydrogen peroxide;
• then it and the area around it are lubricated with an antimicrobial agent, but it should not be colored - it will be more difficult to notice the inflammation that has begun;
• In the place where the papilloma was previously, you need to apply a bactericidal patch.

After taking the steps, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible and undergo an examination. Do not neglect this step - visiting a doctor can save you from serious and dangerous complications.

The role of immunity in the fight against HPV

HPV can disappear by strengthening the immune system and regularly leading a healthy lifestyle.
In this case, treatment of the disease occurs faster, the virus becomes inactive. Helps boost immunity

1. Fresh and quality products. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day (sweetened carbonated drinks, alcohol are not suitable). Proper drinking regime promotes the release of toxic substances from the body.
2. Favorable environmental living conditions.
3. Moderate physical activity: daily exercise, swimming, walking in the fresh air.
4. Hardening.
5. Rational sleep and rest regime.
6. No stressful situations.

Intoxication, prolonged use of medications, sudden hypothermia and overheating, bad habits, and chronic diseases reduce immunity.

You can strengthen your immune system with medications

Type of medicines	Representative drugs
Medicines based on herbal ingredients	Immunal, Echinacea extract, Eleutherococcus tincture.
Preparations based on synthetic human interferon	Viferon, intron a, cycloferon, influferon.
Vitamin and mineral complexes	Supradin, complivit, vitrum.
Medicines based on nucleic acid	Derinat (sodium nucleonate).
Biostimulants	Aloe, plasmol.

Relapse of the disease

Oncological processes occurring in the human body are not fully understood by science. Therefore, it is difficult to predict when a benign formation may go into a malignant stage (and whether it will go at all). But when it comes to the fact that the papilloma has fallen off, you cannot do without an examination.

A secondary infection can be added to HPV, and serious inflammation cannot be avoided. This, in turn, can provoke the virus into more active actions, which will lead not just to the growth of new cells, but will give impetus to the transition of papilloma to another form - melanoma. And this is not just a relapse - it is a death sentence.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of any disease begins with a visual examination of the body and mucous membranes. Papillomas are no exception. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease are carried out by immunologists, dermatologists, gynecologists, proctologists, and oncologists. The doctor’s task is to listen carefully to the patient, collect anamnesis, and ask leading questions. To identify the cause and quality of the disease, you cannot do without tests:

• standard blood test;
• PCR test;
• biopsy.

Only a comprehensive examination will reveal the pathological course of HPV. One or another separate type of examination, be it a PCR test or a blood test, cannot become the basis for diagnosis and treatment.