A papule is a formation on the skin that rises slightly above the level of the skin. Sometimes such a rash appears on the mucous membranes. Papules are small and easily palpable. The color of the formations can be different - from white to dark brown. A dermatologist deals with the treatment of such pathological elements.
Description
Papule - what is it? In medicine, it is customary to call any rash on the skin papules, but this terminology includes only certain formations:
- rising above the skin;
- resembling balloons;
- measuring from a few millimeters to 3 cm.
If the diameter of the formation exceeds 1 cm, then it is customary to call it a nodule.
When you press a little on the papule, it immediately becomes pale. Sometimes the formation is accompanied by suppuration and swelling. But unlike the white head pustule, this kind of nodules do not.
Principle of occurrence
The immune system is always in a state of strict control of all processesin the human body. Her reaction to any inflammatory process causes the formation of papules. When sebum accumulates in the pores, ducts, it provokes the expansion of the pores and the appearance of microcysts. If there is any external influence on such a cyst (for example, a person tries to squeeze out a pimple that interferes with him, mechanical cleaning occurs), then its walls are torn, and all the contents fall into neighboring tissues. Such a gap sometimes occurs on its own, without outside help. The immune system reacts to the situation, aseptic inflammation appears, and as a result, a nodule is formed.
A papule is a formation that can occur for one of the following reasons:
- thickening of one of the skin layers;
- neoplasm of any nature;
- inflammatory process in the dermis.
Views
The defeat can be of varying degrees. Based on this, in medicine there is a certain classification:
- Superficial papule. This is a formation that is localized in the upper layer of the dermis, the epidermis. Such a rash does not cause discomfort, pain. The size of superficial papules is small - 1–5 mm. The color varies from pink to dark red. After disappearance, this type of skin rash leaves no traces behind. Sometimes a pigment spot may appear on the skin, which after a while passes without assistance.
- Deep nodes. The size of such formations exceeds 5 mm. When palpated, a person feelsdiscomfort, pain. The color range of deep nodes is from red to dark blue. A papule on the skin of this kind does not pass without a trace. After it, scars remain.
- Cyst. This type of papule is considered the most severe. If the contents of the infiltrate do not come out completely, then a capsule filled with pus or sebum is formed, which is called a cyst. Sometimes a secondary infection joins, which as a result provokes inflammation and suppuration of the contents of the capsule. There are cysts that have multiple chambers.
Papules are divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Inflammatory papule is accompanied by swelling of the skin, vasodilation. If you press it, it will immediately turn pale.
Depending on the shape of the papules are divided into:
- conical;
- flat;
- oval;
- round.
Diagnosis and treatment
Many are concerned about the question: is papule a dermatology? Which doctor is examining her? The answer is simple: a dermatologist. First of all, the doctor will carefully examine the papule, determine its appearance. Sometimes nodules indicate the presence of diseases such as chicken pox, dermatitis, and other skin problems. That is why it is so important to seek medical help and not self-medicate.
How is papule treated? It depends on the cause of its occurrence. If microbes provoked her appearance, then the doctor should prescribe an antibacterial agent in the form of an ointment or cream.
Sometimes it is recommended to lubricatenodules with iodine. If the lesions are significant, covering large areas of the skin, then the doctor often prescribes drugs for internal use.
Sometimes to remove papules resort to:
- cryotherapy;
- laser coagulation;
- cosmetic surgery.
With minor lesions, the patient is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes. In such cases, sea buckthorn oil, aloe juice, mummy helps well. But you can’t choose the method of treatment yourself, even the most harmless one. It is necessary to discuss all the details with a dermatologist who will explain the concept of "papule", what it is and how it is treated.
