Papillomavirus is a group of viruses consisting of about 24 subgroups. About 600 species have been identified so far. It is only transmitted from person to person. Many people and doctors face the problem of diagnosing and treating human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is able to stimulate tumor processes in the skin, esophagus, mucous membranes of the mouth, bronchi, conjunctiva and even the rectum.
Causes and ways of infection
Human papillomavirus is a very common disease:
- during sexual intercourse;
- when touching, kissing;
- through scratches or cuts when visiting the pool, bath, public toilets or gym;
- when shaving or epilating.
According to statistics, even with one partner, women are infected in 20% of cases.
About 70% of the population is sick and carriers of HPV. The virus is actively transmitted, especially from patients with warts on their bodies (this is the virus that causes them to appear) in the form of pointed or straight uneven growths on the skin and genitals. In medicine, they are called warts and papillomas.
Possible infection of newborns at birth. In infants, the disease manifests itself in the form of growths in the throat or genitals.
Symptoms and development of the virus
The incubation period of the disease can last from two weeks to several years. In this case, there are no visible signs of the virus.
The appearance of warts on the skin can occur gradually and one by one, but at the same time, many condyloma or papilloma, similar to sea buckthorn, can grow rapidly.
If the infection is sexually transmitted, human papillomavirus is present in women:
- in the labia region;
- vagina;
- cervix;
For men:
- around the head of the penis;
- on the skin of the genitals.
When partners have oral sex, the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are affected, and for lovers of anal sex - the anus, rectum.
Men rarely suffer from the disease, although they can be carriers. The virus is more common in women when examining their spouses.
Attention!If suspicious growths are found, consult a doctor immediately, as with some types of viruses, neoplasms are reborn and cause cancer.
Classification and types
To date, about 600 strains of the virus have been detected. They are mostly harmless and disappear within two years after infection in the presence of normal immunity.
However, about 40 species are dangerous to humans, causing both benign and oncological neoplasms.
In the 1980s, doctors proved the link between HPV infection and cervical cancer.
The following types of viruses are classified according to the location and type of skin lesions:
- plantar;
- "butcher warts";
- adi siravi;
- straight.
In the genitals:
- genital warts;
- flat, causing changes in the surface of the cervical membrane and causing oncology;
- papillomas that cause cancer of the genitals and anus, both women and men.
Other types:
- damage to the oral mucosa;
- respiratory papilloma;
- tumors of the neck, head, lungs.
Varieties:
- Simple papillomas appear on the back of the palms, and in children can grow on the knees. They look like rough growths in the shape of a cone.
- Plantar - Interfere with walking, look like bright growths at first, then grow a wart with a ring at the base. As they grow, they form a group of similar compounds.
- Straight - the color is slightly different from the skin, but it causes itching, redness, discomfort.
- Filiform. In medicine they are called acrocords. They are more common in people over 50 years of age. At first, they look like yellowish bumps, grow up to 6 mm.
When warts appear in visible areas, a sick person can go to a medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. Defeat of the cervix or vagina is more difficult to diagnose, especially if women neglect to visit a gynecologist.
Virus diagnosis
If you notice suspicious growths on the skin or mucous membranes in the form of papillary-like (warts) or uneven, rough warts, you must consult a doctor. Warts, like flat papillomas, do not often cause cancer, but are best removed to reduce the chances of infecting people around you.
Such neoplasms are being investigated for the possibility of developing cancer.
The doctor tests for human papillomavirus - scratching the surface of the mucous membrane (colposcopy with cervical damage - examination of the mucous membrane under strong enlargement) or skin. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine changes in the structure of the tissue (dysplasia), as well as the type of virus.
According to the results of cytological examination, cervical smears are divided into 5 classes:
- no change;
- changes are caused by inflammatory processes;
- there are small changes in the structure of cells, histology is required;
- cells with signs of malignant changes were found;
- There are many cells that show signs of cancer.
Histological examination provides a more detailed description of changes in the structure of the tissue.
Clinics use special HPV tests to get more accurate test results. A positive test result indicates the presence of malignant processes in the tissue.
HPV is at high oncogenic risk. The high risk of cancer is due to human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which are found in 70% of cases.
Based on the results of the examination, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.
HPV Treatment Methods
How to treat human papillomavirus? In connection with the decrease in immunity caused by the disease, doctors first prescribe drugs that increase it:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
But the main treatment is the forced removal of neoplasms by modern cosmetology:
- diathermoelectrocoagulation;
- cryodestruction ("cauterization" with liquid nitrogen);
- laser removal;
- radio or chemotherapy;
- application of immunostimulants or immunomodulators to growths.
In each case, the type of treatment should be determined by a specialist.
If the examination does not reveal pathological processes in the skin, only papillomas with a small area of skin around them are removed. If malignant cells are found, the operation may occupy a significant area, depending on the depth of the lesion.
Folk methods and recipes
How to treat human papillomavirus? At all times, traditional medicine has helped fight disease. Experience in the treatment of HPV is also quite extensive.
Remedies recommended by traditional medicine. You can lubricate warts:
- celandine juice;
- sour apple juice and their puree;
- dandelion juice;
- ammonia.
Proven recipes:
- Prepare chaga, celandine, string infusion, freeze and apply ice cubes 3-4 times a day.
- Lubricate with castor oil, then cover with a cloth. Usually 5-6 such procedures are enough.
- Kerosene and walnuts. Chop unripe nuts in a meat grinder, then mix: for 1 part of nuts - 2 parts kerosene, the mixture should be brewed for three weeks. Apply to warts 2 times a day.
Herbalists recommend drinking to boost immunity
- potato juice,
- echinacea infusion,
- rose tea.
Plant collections:
- dandelion roots, nettle, lemon balm, horsetail, plantain;
- wormwood, St. John's wort, tricolor violet, dill (seeds), calamus (root), clover (flower), plantain.
HPV treatment at home
You can remove papillomas at home using drugs sold in pharmacies:
- A special composition that freezes warts. It should be applied carefully to avoid falling on healthy skin. After the procedure, the growths will disappear in about a week, leaving no trace.
- Treatment with adhesive strips. It only takes 3 hours. However, tearing can cause unpleasant or painful sensations.
- Dilute 2. 5 grams of aspirin powder, the same amount of iodine, 2 grams of boric acid in 100 ml of alcohol and smear papillomas with this composition.
Infection prevention
And still do not forget about the viral nature of the appearance of unpleasant growths. It will not be possible to get rid of the disease by removing papillomas from the surface of the skin. Therefore, you should consult a specialist to prevent neoplasms from turning into cancer. It is not yet possible to completely cure HPV, but you can take steps to prevent infection.
For prevention you need:
- use condoms for casual sex. Condoms do not completely protect against HPV infection, as they do not cover the entire surface of the skin from contact, but still partially help prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid visiting baths, swimming pools and toilets with even the smallest wounds on the skin.
- Children are vaccinated against cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus. Girls aged 11-12 are vaccinated. The results of the vaccine showed a decrease in the incidence of the disease in women taking the drug.
Have you found warts or suspicious growth on your body? Contact a qualified professional and follow all recommendations. HPV can sometimes be very dangerous. Learn about treatment and removal methods and take action!