Hanging warts affect many people. They do not cause any particular inconvenience, but are often susceptible to injury and damage. Are such formations dangerous? How to get rid of them?
Hanging warts are called so because of their structure - a small growth has a stalk on which it “hangs”. These formations have a second name - papillomas. They can occur anywhere in the body and are often diagnosed under the armpit, groin, or neck.
Most often appear in older people of any gender. Sometimes they can go away on their own. As a rule, they do not cause discomfort and are painless. Some places are often prone to injury.
This type of wart belongs to viral formations, is included in the international classification of diseases and has code B07.
Kinds
In modern dermatology, two types of hanging warty growths are distinguished.
Finger-shaped
They are thick growths of hardened skin ranging in size from five to twenty millimeters. Their base is pea-shaped.
These are pink or light pink growths that may not hurt and hang singly on the scalp and in the hair area.
Filiform
Such papillomas are yellowish in color, resembling the shape of cones, and over time transform into thin formations planted on a stalk. A pedunculated wart can be yellowish, light brown or dark brown in color. Their size varies from five to ten millimeters. Both single and multiple filamentous papillomas can form on the body. This type of papilloma does not hurt, but creates a lot of inconvenience and discomfort.
Thread-like papillomas resemble miniature bumps in shape
The mechanism of appearance of pedunculated warts
The main reason for the formation of growths is the activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. Currently, scientists have identified about 170 of its subspecies. Hanging elements are most often caused by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 11, 16, 18, 26-29, 31, 33, 44, 49, 51-54, 57, but the list is not exhaustive. The affected skin cells begin to rapidly divide and form an abnormal structure on the surface.
The formations are also called papilloma (appears on the skin) or condyloma (appears on the mucous membrane).
The virus can remain dormant in the body for a long time and have no external manifestations.
To activate and begin to grow hanging formations, additional conditions are required:
- general weakening of the body due to infectious or chronic diseases, exhaustion;
- suppression of the immune system by potent drugs or medical procedures: postoperative period, hormonal and chemotherapy;
- hormonal disruptions of various nature: puberty, childbearing, menopause;
- injuries, skin damage;
- neglect of personal hygiene rules.
Surgical methods
How to remove a wart using modern medical equipment.
Cryodestruction
This method involves the removal of hanging condylomas by cauterization with liquid nitrogen. This is a painless procedure and leaves small scars. After some time, they become covered with a crust, which disappears after a few days.
Radio wave removal
Radio wave treatment is one of the most effective modern methods of excision of papillomas with a radio wave knife. Before the operation, the treatment area is numbed. The number of sessions depends on the size of the growths and their number. This procedure is used to remove hanging warts under the armpits, groin, under the mammary glands and in the genital area.
Radio wave removal of papillomas is performed under anesthesia
Electrocoagulation
This is a painful procedure and will require anesthesia. The growths are excised with a special object - a coagulator. It is equipped with a thin metal loop that is supplied with high frequency alternating current.
After excision, small pink spots remain on the treated area, which disappear over time.
Laser removal
This is a modern and effective procedure for removing filamentous warts. Excision of papillomas occurs using a laser beam. The main advantage of this treatment is that the risk of relapse and rapid healing of the treated areas are eliminated.
How to get rid of warts at home
Local treatment, that is, direct removal of a hanging wart, is most often advised to begin with gentle methods. Among the traditional medicines, celandine is popular. Its juice, as well as dandelion juice, is used to lubricate papillomas for several weeks.
Hanging warts are much more unpleasant than their flat relatives. The difference is that hanging warts are more easily injured, and if the wart is damaged, it begins to bleed incredibly.
Expert opinion
Sakania Luiza Ruslanovna
Dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, trichologist
Ask a Question
The most important thing in getting rid of warts is to decide what measures you agree to. Fortunately, there are enough options on how to get rid of a hanging wart, the main thing is to choose the right one. Take care of yourself and respond to alarming symptoms in a timely manner, this will help you avoid a lot of health problems.
Traditional methods and recipes can only be used after consultation with your doctor, as in some cases side effects and allergic reactions are possible.
Traditional medicine recipes
So, to find out how to get rid of hanging warts on your body at home, you can use the following methods:
- Quite often there are cases of removing hanging warts using mumiyo. Mumiyo is available for free sale in pharmacies. A piece of mummy must be moistened with saliva or water and applied to the wart. This must be repeated 3-4 times a day until the wart completely disappears.
- Hanging warts can be removed with a folk remedy such as castor oil. For 5 days, 2-3 times a day you need to rub the wart with castor oil. In this case, the oil should be applied carefully to avoid microtrauma.
- An excellent treatment for hanging warts using folk methods is a mixture of celandine and petroleum jelly. Celandine and Vaseline must be mixed in equal proportions and rubbed with light movements onto the affected area. Celandine grass should be thoroughly chopped. The procedure is repeated 1-2 times a day for 5-7 days.
- To begin with, use basic medicinal methods to remove warts. 5% terbofen ointment, a weak solution of podophyllin, and any paste with resorcinol will help. All these drugs belong to the category of antiviral drugs and have a complex effect on hanging warts. However, treating the wart regularly with one of these products, or treating one at a time, can have significant benefits.
- It is also recommended to take a decoction of celandine internally to get rid of warts. To do this, you need to take a teaspoon of finely ground celandine leaf, pour 200 ml of water into it, and let it brew in a warm place for about an hour. Take a folk remedy for the treatment of warts, 50 ml. daily. The broth should be stored in the refrigerator under a tight lid.
- Another popular method suggests using a compress of calendula flowers to get rid of warts at home. You need to take fresh calendula flowers and crush them into a homogeneous mass. Then apply the paste to the wart and wrap it with a bandage or plaster. Repeat the procedure until the wart completely disappears.
- The process of strengthening the immune system definitely works well in the fight against warts. All possible means are suitable for this. Consume more honey and other bee products, watch your diet and its balance, engage in sports and other procedures to improve your health. To avoid unpleasant consequences in the form of allergic reactions or any side effects, you should first consult with a medical specialist and then start using these remedies and recipes for the treatment of hanging warts.
Treatment with medications
Hanging warts under the arms and on other parts of the body can be removed with the help of modern medications:
- Wartner.
- Solcoderm.
- Supper Celandine.
- Mountain Celandine.
- Salicylic acid.
- Stefalin.
- Panavir.
It is recommended to take such drugs in parallel with immunomodulators and antiviral agents, then the treatment will be more effective and faster. Medicine for warts is prescribed by your doctor.
Panavir, like other drugs, is taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Causes and danger of papillomas
Why do hanging growths appear on the skin? The reason for the growth of this type of wart is the penetration of the human papillomavirus into the body. This can happen in a variety of ways.
Method of infection:
- Close contacts with infected people,
- Visiting public baths, saunas, swimming pools,
- Sharing household items with virus carriers,
- Skin injuries
- Infection during childbirth from the mother.
As you can see, anyone can become infected with the papilloma virus. In many cases, it does not show much activity, and the person is not aware of its presence in the body. Activation of the virus occurs in the presence of various factors.
Factors:
- Weak immune system
- Microtraumas of the skin,
- Frequent stressful situations, constant depression,
- The presence of chronic diseases,
- Metabolism problems
- Hormonal imbalance
- Lack of vitamins
- Frequent pregnancies
- Having bad habits.
These reasons can become a “impetus” for the development of hanging papillomas on the body. The color of the formation does not differ from the color of the skin; with age they can acquire a gray tint.
Hanging growths are benign formations. However, with constant injuries and frequent inflammatory processes, the wart can degenerate into a malignant form. Therefore, if papillomas are located in inconvenient places, it is worthwhile to remove them.
How to distinguish from hanging moles
A doctor can distinguish a hanging wart from moles under the arm. The second has its own capillary network due to modification of the lines of the skin pattern. In case of self-destruction, the normal structure of the integument is restored.
Dilated capillaries in warts bleed when hyperkeratosis is removed. The color of the element is close to the color of the skin. Helps differentiate the formation from callus, molluscum contagiosum, seborrheic keratosis, lichen planus.
Signs of warts:
- flesh color, grayish;
- sizes from half to one and a half centimeters;
- the surface is uneven, rough.
Pedicled moles, consisting of melanocytes, are always dark in color - from café au lait to dark brown, almost black, with the exception of blue nevi and hemangiomas, which are red in color. In some cases, viral growths are characterized by symmetry: the so-called kissing warts. In most cases, nevi are formed in a place exposed to frequent ultraviolet radiation (on the neck).
Types of hanging papillomas
All hanging papillomatous formations are divided by specialists into two main types, which have their own characteristic features:
Filiform or villous
Initially appear in the form of small bumps. Gradually developing, papillomas stretch out and turn into thin threads. The size of the formation can reach 1 cm in length. This type of papillomas tends to develop in groups, forming structures that resemble a cockscomb.
Finger-shaped
Oblong skin formations of flesh-colored or pink color are localized in the scalp of a person. Placed singly. Finger-shaped papillomas are characterized by a thicker stalk compared to filiform ones.
Small growths remain invisible to others for a long time. Many people live with them all their lives without even thinking about removing them. The most important thing is to contact the clinic in time to determine the level of risk of formation.
Are hanging papillomas dangerous?
The appearance of growths in itself is not dangerous to health. But papillomas differ from other formations on human skin in that they are more prone to injury than others. Even with a slight impact during shaving, when using combs, washcloths, due to friction of clothing and jewelry, they can be damaged or torn off. The root continues to live.
The growths can cause discomfort and itching. And if they are damaged, bleeding occurs, which is dangerous due to the addition of a bacterial or fungal infection. In case of injury, it is necessary to treat the wound with an antiseptic, seal it with a fabric plaster, and then show it to a doctor. The specialist will diagnose, prescribe treatment and advise how to remove the tumor.
If hanging papillomas are frequently damaged, the surrounding tissues also become infected, which leads to multiplication and fusion into a large growth.
Inflammation and prevention
What should you do if the wart turns red, increases in size, and becomes painful?
Hanging warts can degenerate into malignant formations. Therefore, when the first signs of a change in such formation appear, you should visit a medical facility.
In the presence of inflammatory processes, suitable medications are selected that have a therapeutic effect.
Prevention
In most cases, hanging papillomas do not cause any particular problems for owners. To prevent them from appearing, it is worth following certain preventive measures.
Measures:
- It is necessary to take care of personal hygiene,
- Treat all diseases in a timely manner,
- Do not use common objects in public places - bathhouses, swimming pools,
- Review your diet, eat right,
- To refuse from bad habits,
- Avoid close contact with infected people.
Following the rules will help prevent the spread of the disease. Hanging warts can form in anyone. If they cause inconvenience, you can get rid of them in a variety of ways after consultation at the hospital.
Why do armpit warts hurt?
Painful discomfort sometimes accompanies the appearance of papillomas. This is not a characteristic sign, and its appearance indicates some kind of violation. The reason for this phenomenon is most often the influence of external factors. These factors include:
- Mechanical damage to warts. Sometimes, intentionally or accidentally, a person rips off a growth, after which the damaged area hurts greatly. You can also injure a papilloma while shaving this area. Damaged tissues become more sensitive.
- Squeezing or rubbing clothing. The skin on the armpits is often subject to friction from underwear or the seams of thick clothing. Since such a wart tends to hang, it is easy to crush it. In this case, irritation of the skin, redness of certain areas, itching and burning are observed.
- Inflammatory process. If papilloma tissue or skin is damaged, pathogenic bacteria can penetrate into the affected area. As a result, inflammation begins. In this case, tissue swelling and acute pain are observed, especially during touch. Sometimes the patient's body temperature rises and there may be pain in the chest area.
- Suppuration, which is the result of inflammation, causes an acute feeling of pain and discomfort. At the site of injury there is severe swelling, redness, and discharge.
- Wart irritation later. The sweat secreted by the glands affects the formations. Firstly, they steam, and secondly, they are bursting with salt that leaves the body with sweat.
Also, the sensation of pain can appear as a result of the processes of degeneration of benign cells. In this case, the growth begins to change its shape and grow sharply. Its color changes (most often the wart turns black around the edges). Bleeding may occur. In addition to pain, there is a burning itch.
In what areas of the body do papillomas occur?
The appearance of hanging papillomas can be confused with other formations on the skin. Their peculiarity is their appearance on delicate areas of the skin: on the face, in the neck, armpits, in the groin folds and under the breasts.
In these areas, the integrity of the skin is often compromised due to rubbing with clothing, scratching, and the use of scrubs and peels. A warm and moist environment is constantly maintained in the armpits and groin area, under the breasts. All this provokes the penetration of the virus and the development of formations on the skin. Their growth does not have any symptoms and does not cause pain to a person. In rare cases, he may experience mild itching.
What happens if a wart is injured or torn off?
If you traumatize a wart, it can hurt, bleed, and grow in size. If you severely injure or tear off a wart, this can lead to its degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.
After injury, warts may turn red or black. But in some cases, red warts on the body can occur due to disturbances in the functioning of small blood vessels, which lead to their interweaving with each other. Black warts on the body often appear in old age and in the presence of blood clots in the blood vessels. If a black wart occurs at a young age, this carries a risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system (which are caused by blood clots).
Various treatments and removal of hanging warts under the arms
Treatment for warts begins with eliminating the infection. Without this approach, wart removal will not bring the desired result. The therapeutic complex consists of taking medications with antiviral and immunostimulating effects. Thus, the body’s natural defenses are restored, and the infection is weakened to such an extent that the immune system is able to cope with it. This type of medication is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician, since the drugs have contraindications and side effects. The most common medications: Allokin Alpha, Viferon, Cycloferon, Interferon.
There are several ways to remove growths (you will find photos online). The first is removal in a hospital setting using one of the proposed procedures. The most popular are:
- exposure to liquid nitrogen - cryodestruction;
- exposure to electric current with simultaneous sealing of capillaries - electrocoagulation;
- removal using high frequency waves - radio knife, radio wave excision;
- use of laser – laser excision;
- cutting out a wart with a scalpel is a surgical operation.
Each procedure is carried out under close supervision. Before it begins, the patient undergoes a diagnostic examination. This allows you to see the full picture of the disease, identify all contraindications and the extent of the spread of the disease.
The second traditional method is treatment with special drugs. By purchasing such products, a person can carry out the removal procedure independently. The third method is treatment with folk remedies.
