Skin Papillomas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

Skin papillomas are benign and non-cancerous growth that occurs over the skin surface. These skin growths are soft, small, and flesh-colored that occur over any surface of the skin, including armpits, groin, neck, under the breasts, and eyelids. These are generally harmless and may cause discomfort to an individual. These are not aggressive and may not spread to other locations. Skin papillomas consist of central fibrous tissue that may be covered by normal skin. These are small and raised lumps or bumps over the skin that may increase gradually in size with time. Several factors can lead to the development of skin papillomas. Constant irritation can lead to the development of the condition. The conditions commonly affect the areas where the skin constantly rubs with each other. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also increase the likelihood of the condition. Certain medical conditions increase the prevalence of the condition. These are not harmless unless they cause irritation. The article discusses skin papillomas, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Are Skin Papillomas?

Skin papillomas are painless, non-cancerous growth appearing on the skin surface. These are also known as skin tags or skin warts. It occurs when the skin rubs with each other on areas such as armpits, groin, eyelids, and neck.

What Are the Causes of Skin Papillomas?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes skin papillomas. Several factors can cause skin papillomas that are as follows:

• Friction: Skin papillomas occur in the areas where the skin rubs with each other or causes friction. The skin can be rubbed against the skin, jewellery, or clothing.

• Genetics: Some individuals with a genetic predisposition develop skin papillomas.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy or endocrine disorders can increase the chances of developing skin papillomas.

• Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, increase the risk of developing skin papillomas.

• Age: Skin papillomas are more prevalent in older adults. This may be due to hormonal imbalances or friction.

How Does Skin Papillomas Affect People?

People are affected by skin papillomas in some ways that are as follows:

• Irritation: Skin papillomas can cause physical discomfort due to rubbing of the skin against any clothing or jewelry, leading to irritation.

• Cosmetic Concern: Skin papilloma can cause cosmetic problems if visible on aesthetic areas such as the face, hands, or neck. Some people may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

• Functional Impairment: Some larger skin papillomas may interfere with performing daily life activities. For example, skin papilloma under the eyes can interfere with eyesight, and armpits can cause discomfort in arm mobility and performing activities.

• Psychological Impact: Skin papillomas can affect an individual body image leading to anxiety and embarrassment. The psychological impact may depend on the location and severity of skin papillomas.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Papillomas?

Skin papillomas are painless, harmless, and non-cancerous growth. It can occur anywhere on the human body. The signs and symptoms of skin papilloma are as follows:

• Growth: Skin papillomas occur as small or pink-colored growths that may vary in size.

• Protrusions: Skin papilloma may elevate from the skin surface and attach to the skin through a stalk-like structure. The structure is known as a peduncle.

• Appearance: Skin papilloma can be darker than the usual skin color or flesh-colored.

• Texture: Skin papilloma is painless and soft or flexible to the touch.

• Occurrence: Skin papilloma occurs in the areas where the skin rubs each other such as the groin, armpits, and neck.

• No Bleeding: Skin papillomas do not cause itching and bleeding.

How Can Skin Papillomas Be Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider may diagnose the condition through physical examination and diagnostic tests. Various diagnostic modalities are as follows:

• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider may physically inspect the skin growths by watching its size, shape, color, and texture of growths. The doctor may also check the location of skin growth on the body.

• Medical History: The healthcare provider may ask the patient about the medical history which can be linked to these skin growths. The doctor may also check for any pain or bleeding experienced.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): The doctor may use a small needle to take a sample of cells directly from the growth. The sample is then sent to the laboratory to examine the slide under the microscope for further confirmation of the condition.

• Biopsy: Biopsy is an alternative to fine needle aspiration. It is a surgical excision of the piece from the tumor. In the case of a small papilloma, the whole tumor can be removed. The healthcare provider may examine the sample under the microscope for further diagnosis.

How Can Skin Papilloma Be Treated?

Some skin papillomas are harmless and painless. These do not require any treatment. Some skin growths resolve on their own within a few months. The common treatment methods for skin papilloma are as follows:

• Surgical Excision: The commonly recommended treatment is the surgical excision of the skin growth. The healthcare provider may inject a local anesthetic to numb the area and surgically remove the non-cancerous growth with the use of a scalpel or surgical scissors. After excision, a small wound may heal on its own.

• Electrosurgery: The healthcare provider may use an electric current to the affected area to burn it off. It is an effective method to remove skin papilloma.

• Cryotherapy: The healthcare provider may freeze the skin with the use of liquid nitrogen. It may cause mild discomfort to the patient.

• Medications: The healthcare professional may provide medications such as Imiquimod, 5-Fluorouracil, and Cantharidin. The doctor may recommend solutions or creams containing such as tea tree oil and salicylic acid.

How Can Skin Papillomas Be Prevented?

Skin papillomas can be prevented by following measures:

• Maintenance of good personal hygiene.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes to limit excessive rubbing. It avoids skin irritation.

• Obese people are more prone to develop skin papillomas. So maintaining a healthy weight can limit the risk of developing the condition.

• Moisturizing the skin because dry skin is more susceptible to developing skin papillomas.

• Avoid scratching skin papillomas.

• Protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation by wearing sunscreen or protective clothing.

Conclusion:

Skin papillomas are non-cancerous, painless, or harmless growth that occurs anywhere on the human body. It occurs in the areas where the skin rubs with any clothing or jewelry. The condition may cause cosmetic concerns, impairment in performing daily activities, and psychological impact. Prevention is the main key to limiting the risk of developing skin papillomas. People should adopt preventive measures.