Papillae
Treatment Duration
30
Suggested Sessions
2-4 times/year
What are papillae?
Cutaneous papillae are benign small, soft lumps that look like moles and manifest in various parts of the body.
Their color varies, although more often it is the same as that of the skin.
They usually appear in groups, close to each other and their size ranges from 1-5 mm.
Papules are manifestations of infection of the body by some genotypes of the HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus).
Papules usually appear after the age of 25-30, but sometimes at younger ages.
Main points of appearance
Papillae occur more often in places where heat and humidity coexist, as well as friction, conditions that favor their development.
- Face (eyelids)
- Neck
- Armpits
- Bosom
- Genitals
- Thighs
Symptoms of papillomas
Papillomas are basically asymptomatic, but if they grow too large or multiply, they can cause itching and burning.
Sometimes, the pappilae get injured and bleed, and there is a possibility of inflammation in the area that shows swelling and pain.
If you have papillae in the neck, avoid wearing jewelry as they can injure them, resulting in the possibility of inflammation!
Categories of papillomas
Ant papillomas
They appear on the body and the face and have an irregular and not smooth surface. They look like ants but are caused by other genotypes of the HPV virus, and are less contagious than these.
Papillomas in the genitals
Their examination by a Dermatologist - Venereologist, is considered necessary to make a correct diagnosis, since they may be warts and not genuine papillomas.
Warts are a sexually transmitted disease and highly contagious, so they need immediate treatment!
The diagnosis is made with HPV - DNA test.
Vaginal papillomas
They are located on the lips and vagina. And in this case, it is necessary to be examined by a specialized Dermatologist - Venereologist, for the differential diagnosis of warts.
Colposcopy, biopsy and HPV-DNA testing may also be needed, and Pap smears are recommended.
Papillomas in the anus
They usually appear around the anal mucosa as soft lumps. Many times people confuse them with hemorrhoids.
They need immediate treatment, as due to their location they are vulnerable to injuries and infections.
Also in this case a differential diagnosis should be made with warts, through the HPV - DNA test, while the Anal Test Pap is recommended.
Anal Test PapPapillomas in the mouth
They look like small bumps, which are usually pointed. They appear mainly on the tips of the lips but also on the inside, on the tongue or on the mucous membranes.
They can become quite painful when injured during chewing and eating, so their treatment is necessary.
The mouth is another point where warts also appear, therefore, in this case, too, an HPV-DNA test should be performed.
Papillae in the vagina and anus should be treated immediately, as they can cause pain, bleeding and inflammation.
Transmission
Papillae are not easily transmitted from person to person, however they can spread to the same person when there is an injury or after intense rubbing of the area.
Papillae are not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, as they appear to be due to strains of the HPV 6 & 11 virus but also to other low-risk strains.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Papillomas
The correct clinical diagnosis of papillomas is made by a specialized Dermatologist - Venereologist.
Their treatment is necessary for both medical and aesthetic reasons.
The methods of treatment of papillomas are:
CO2 Laser - The most modern and effective treatment.
Cauterization of papillae with the CO2 sublimation laser is the most modern and effective method for the complete elimination of lesions.
The lesion is treated to the nearest millimeter, without affecting the adjacent skin.
- Painless and bloodless method
- It leaves no scars and marks
- Minimum recovery time
Diathermy
With this method, thermal energy is delivered to the lesion which is cauterized. However, it is a not so painless method and there is a possibility of scars after application.
Surgical removal
It occurs in fairly large papillae, which are called warts or hanging termites and are found mainly on the neck and face.
Papillomas Treatment
Prevention of papilloma spread
- Avoid using jewelry, chains and necklaces around the neck
- Immediate treatment of papillomas after locating their existence.
- Avoid using a razor in the event area
Folliculitis
folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle, which can often affect the skin around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can papules cause skin cancer?
Papules do not turn into malignant tumors and are not associated with any form of cancer. However, they must be removed, both to avoid injury that could lead to infection, and for aesthetic reasons.
Why is laser sublimation of papillomas with CO2 the ideal method of treatment?
The use of the CO2 laser is painless, bloodless, leaves no marks or scars and is performed accurately, only on the lesion without affecting the skin around it.
In addition, even just 1 session with a CO2 laser can be enough to completely eliminate the papillomas, while it can also be applied to papillae with a fairly large size, such as the hanging termite.
Are there any complications after using the CO2 Laser?
There are no serious complications, but there may be a slight burning sensation in the application area.
Laser CO2 sublimation is associated with fewer recurrence risks than other methods. It is an easy, fast and painless method of treating papillomas that offers excellent results.