Papules are skin manifestations that can either form on their own or be a symptom of various diseases. If papules require treatment, successful therapy is often based on their causes.
What are papules?
Papules are nodules or vesicles that form on the surface of the skin. Papules can reach sizes about the size of a pea. Papules are nodules or vesicles that form on the surface of the skin. In medicine, papules are classified as so-called primary skin lesions. Papules can reach sizes approximately equal to the size of a pea. In addition to their shape, papules can be recognized by their reddish or brownish color. According to their localization, papules can be divided into the so-called epidermal, cutaneous and epidermo-cutaneous papules:
Epidermal papules are papules that develop in layers of the epidermis. Cutaneous papules are cells that form in the so-called dermis, while epidermo-cutaneous papules are a hybrid of the above forms; corresponding cells are found here in both the epidermis and the dermis.
Causes
The cause of all the aforementioned forms of papules lies initially in a proliferation of skin cells in the skin layers in which the respective papules develop. In epidermal papules, the corneal cells proliferate, resulting in local elevations in this layer. These elevations can then be recognized as papules. This way of formation of papules is hidden behind warts, for example. Increased corneal cells underlying cutaneous papules can occur, for example, in the context of syphilis disease (a form of venereal disease). Epidermo-cutaneous papules can appear, among other things, as eczema or show up in the so-called Lichen Ruber disease, also known as nodular lichen. In the latter case, it is an inflammatory skin disease.
Diseases with this symptom
- Syphilis
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Molle’s ulcer
- Dell warts
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis
Diagnosis and course
The course of papules depends in each case on the cause underlying the development of papules. If the papules are a symptom of an underlying disease, the papules usually change with the course of the underlying disease. Papules are initially diagnosed on the basis of their visual appearance. Depending on the skin layer in which the papules form, the type of papule can be determined in a first step. However, in order to be able to diagnose whether papules are an independent complaint (as is the case, for example, with warts) or symptoms of a disease, a treating physician will usually first ask about the medical history of the person affected. This is often followed by further physical examinations, which can clarify any underlying disease and thus the background of the papules.
Complications
As a rule, papules are not dangerous. However, as already known, they appear as a symptom in the different diseases. Thus, they can also appear in the context of dangerous diseases. Among other things, papules are one of the most important symptoms in syphilis. In the course of this severe disease, an exanthema with copper-colored nodules appears as papules. These are highly infectious there. Papules also form in insect bites. However, if it is a tick bite, the so-called Lyme borreliosis can be transmitted. Lyme disease is a chronic disease that worsens over time. Often a connection with the initial papule can no longer be established because the disease develops slowly. If left untreated, the disease often leads to late complications such as arthritis and neurological symptoms. Furthermore, papules may also be due to infection with the varicella zoster virus (chickenpox). This virus remains in the body and often causes shingles later if the immune system is weakened. Infants in particular often suffer from eczema with papule formation, the cause of which is often unknown. However, sometimes it is a yeast infection due to the good reproduction conditions under the diapers. The yeast fungus can also be responsible for painful papules in the mouth, the so-called oral thrush.Non-infectious papules can also lead to complications if an attempt is made to push them away. Damage to the surrounding skin tissue is then possible.
When should you see a doctor?
Papules are usually harmless and do not necessarily require medical treatment. However, if the skin changes become inflamed or cause accompanying symptoms such as fever and rashes, this requires clarification by a doctor. Itching and redness indicate a serious underlying condition that must be treated immediately to avoid further complications. A reduction in well-being as a result of papules is also a reason for a visit to the doctor. If the emotional distress remains untreated, initial mood swings can develop into serious mental illness. Anyone who suspects that the papules are caused by certain medications or foods should discuss this with their family doctor. In most cases, it is sufficient to adjust the medication or introduce dietary measures to improve the skin appearance and reduce the papules. Papules resulting from a tick bite indicate Lyme disease, which must be treated immediately. In general, then, papules that deviate from the norm in appearance and appearance or that affect general well-being in any way should always be medically clarified.
Treatment and therapy
Medical treatment of papules depends first on the type of papules present. In order to treat papules effectively, it must be possible to fall back on a diagnosis made in advance. For example, if the papules were caused by a certain disease, a causal therapy of the corresponding disease is often necessary to be able to fight the papules. Even if papules appear independently, without being a symptom of a disease, they may require therapy to varying degrees. For example, some of these papules regress on their own after some time without the need for therapy. Some papules, on the other hand, may persist permanently without posing a health risk. In the latter case, therapeutic treatment does not have to be medically necessary, but can be carried out at the request of an affected person, for example for cosmetic reasons. If, for example, papules take on a very large form and form over a wide area, it may be advisable to seek medical advice. If these papules pose a risk, they can be surgically removed, for example.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, a red and itchy rash forms on the affected area in addition to the papules themselves. This should not be scratched by the patient under any circumstances, as this will only intensify the itching, which may result in sores or scars. If the papules are caused by the bite of a tick, the patient may contract Lyme disease. Therefore, if a bite has occurred, a doctor must be consulted. In the case of chickenpox, papules are harmless for children and disappear again by themselves after a few days. For adults who have not yet experienced the disease, chickenpox can be fatal. On the papules, without treatment, can also be formed inflammations or infections. This is especially true if the papules are expressed by the patient. In most cases, the treatment itself is carried out with the help of medication and without surgical intervention. It leads to success after only a few days and there are usually no further complications. The use of medication is not always necessary. Often, the papules also disappear completely on their own if the affected area is cared for.
Prevention
Papules can only be prevented to a limited extent. To prevent papules as a symptom of a disease, early therapeutic treatment of the underlying disease can be effective. Also, if papules have other underlying causes, effective prevention can be achieved by avoiding these causes. For example, if papules are reactions to skin allergies caused by various cosmetics, it is recommended to use products that do not cause corresponding allergic reactions and associated papules.
This is what you can do yourself
Those who suffer from papules should in any case avoid contact with substances and materials that could irritate the skin. This applies in particular to various care products that contain alcohol. It is not uncommon for patients to also suffer from itching.Under no circumstances should the affected person scratch the respective area. This only intensifies the itching and can cause sores and scars. When washing, the skin should not be rubbed. The papules are ideally washed with a mild soap and only warm water. Makeup should be avoided on the affected area. If the papules appear after eating, it is an allergic reaction or intolerance. In this case, the patient should abstain from the particular ingredient or food, or take appropriate medication that allows digestion of this ingredient. Papules should not be covered by plasters or wrapped in bandages. Especially children should not touch or scratch the papules. A chamomile bath or steam bath helps against the papules in many cases. Cosmetic procedures and treatments can limit the symptom as well.
