If you’ve ever been diagnosed with papules, you may be wondering what caused them. Papules are small, raised lesions that can occur on any part of the body but are most commonly found on the arms and legs.
While their cause is not always known, there are a few things that are thought to contribute to their development.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what causes papules and why they might form. We’ll also discuss some of the treatments available for this condition.
What are papules?
Papules are small bumps that can form on any part of the body, but they’re most commonly found on the arms and legs. They often have a raised, bumpy texture and can vary in size from just a few millimeters to larger than one centimeter in diameter.
While they can be itchy or tender to the touch, they are not usually painful. They can come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, or brown.
What are the causes of papules?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no single cause for papules. They can form due to a number of factors, such as genetics, environmental triggers, or an underlying medical condition.
- Genetics: Papules can sometimes be hereditary, meaning they may run in families. If someone in your family has had them before, you could be more likely to develop them as well.
- Environmental Triggers: Certain external factors such as sun exposure and stress can also contribute to the formation of papules.
- Medical Conditions: Papules can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as eczema or psoriasis. In these cases, treating the underlying condition may help reduce the number of papules that form.
Other Common Causes:
Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to certain materials that come in contact with the skin, such as metals, soaps, and certain fabrics. This type of reaction can result in irritation, inflammation, and the formation of papules.
Warts: Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear as raised bumps on the skin.
Keratosis Pilaris: Keratosis pilaris is a condition in which cells build up around the hair follicles and can result in patches of rough bumps, sometimes referred to as “chicken skin”.
Seborrheic Keratosis: Seborrheic keratosis is a condition in which cells form raised, skin-colored growths on the body.
Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis is often referred to as sun spots and can form when skin is exposed to too much sunlight.
Cherry Angioma: Cherry angiomas are skin infections that occur when small clusters of blood vessels accumulate and form red moles on the skin.
What are the symptoms of papules?
The main symptom of papules is the presence of small bumps on the skin. They can range in size, color, and texture, depending on the underlying cause. In addition to bumps, some people may also experience itching or tenderness around the affected area.
Treatment of papules
The treatment for papules will depend on the underlying cause. If the papules are due to environmental triggers, such as sun exposure or stress, the best course of action is to protect the skin from further damage. This may include wearing sunscreen or avoiding certain activities that can bring on stress.
If the papules are due to a medical condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, treating this underlying condition may help reduce their frequency and severity. In these cases, topical creams and ointments can be used to soothe irritation and inflammation. For more severe cases, oral medications may be prescribed by your doctor.
In some cases, laser treatments may also be recommended for reducing the appearance of papules. These treatments use heat energy to break down the bumpy texture of the lesions. The procedure is relatively short and does not require any downtime afterward.
Tips of remove papules naturally
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe and reduce the appearance of papules.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by papules.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel has cooling, soothing properties that may help reduce itching and inflammation associated with papules.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains natural acids that can help exfoliate the skin, reducing the prominence of papules.
- Oatmeal Baths: Taking oatmeal baths can also provide relief from itching and inflammation associated with papules. Simply mix one cup of ground oats with the warm bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E oil is another natural moisturizer that can help reduce the prominence of papules. Simply break open a vitamin E capsule and massage the contents into your skin twice daily.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid which can help exfoliate the skin, reducing the appearance of papules. Simply mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with two tablespoons of water and apply to affected areas twice daily.
- Honey: Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce irritation and inflammation associated with papules. Simply apply honey to affected areas twice daily or take a honey bath.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce papule-related irritation and inflammation.
- Cucumber: Cucumber slices have a cooling effect which can help reduce itching and irritation associated with papules. Simply slice a cucumber and place the slices on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes twice daily.
By following these tips, you may be able to reduce the appearance of papules and help soothe irritation and inflammation associated with them. However, if your condition is severe, please speak to your doctor for the best course of action.
Should you see a dermatologist if you’re struggling with papules?
If your papules are persistent and you are struggling to reduce them with natural remedies, then it is recommended that you see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose the underlying cause of your papules and provide further treatment options. In some cases, this may include topical medications, oral medications, or laser treatments.
Conclusion:
Papules can be an irritating and embarrassing condition to deal with. However, it is important to remember that there are ways to help reduce the appearance of these bumps and soothe irritation and inflammation caused by them. Natural remedies such as coconut oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, oatmeal baths, vitamin E, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, and cucumber slices can all help reduce the prominence of papules. If your condition is severe or persists despite natural remedies, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist for further treatment options.
