Papillomavirus is a group of viruses, comprising about 24 subgroups. To date, approximately 600 species have been discovered. It is only transmitted from person to person. The problem of diagnosis and treatment of the human papilloma virus (HPV) is facing many people and doctors. The virus is able to stimulate tumor processes, it is found on the skin, esophagus, mucous membranes of the mouth, bronchi, conjunctiva and even the rectum.
Causes of occurrence and routes of infection
Human papillomavirus is a very common disease transmitted by:
- during sexual intercourse;
- when touched, kissed;
- by scratches or cuts while visiting the pool, bathroom, public toilet or gym;
- when shaved or falling off.
Statistics say that even with one partner, women are infected in 20% of cases.
About 70% of the population is ill and HPV carriers. The virus is especially actively transmitted from patients with warts on their body (this virus causes them to appear) in the form of sharp or fairly uneven growths on the skin and genitals. In medicine, they are called warts and papillomas.
Potential neonatal infection from the mother during childbirth. In children, the disease manifests itself in the form of growths in the throat or genitals.
Symptoms and development of the virus
The latent period of the disease (incubation) can last from two weeks to several years. At this time, there are no visible signs of the virus.
The appearance of warts on the skin can occur gradually and one at a time, but it is also possible for many condylomas or papillomas to grow rapidly at the same time, which are similar in shape to sea kale.
If the sexually transmitted infection occurs, the human papilloma virus manifests itself in women:
- in the region of the labia;
- vagina;
- cervix;
For men:
- around the head of the penis;
- on the skin of the genitals.
When oral sex is carried out by partners, the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are affected, for anal sex lovers - the anus, rectum.
Men rarely have the disease, although they can be carriers. When spouses are examined, the virus is found more frequently in women.
Attention!If suspicious growths are found, consult a doctor urgently, as with some types of viruses, neoplasms are regenerated, leading to cancer.
Classification and types
To date, about 600 strains of the virus have been found. 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 80s of the last century, doctors established the relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer.
The following types of viruses are classified by location of skin lesions and types:
- plant;
- "butcher warts";
- normal;
- flat.
On the genitals:
- genital warts;
- flat, stimulating changes in the membrane surface of the cervix and causing oncology;
- Papillomas are caused by cancers of the genitals and anus, both in women and men.
Other types:
- damage to the oral mucosa;
- papillomas of the respiratory tract;
- tumors of the neck, head, lungs.
Types:
- Simple papillomas appear on the back of the palms, and in children they can grow on the knees. They look like rough growth in the form of cones.
- Plantar - an intrusive walk, initially viewed as shiny growths, then growing into a wart with an edge at the base. Growing, they form a whole bunch of similar formations.
- Flat - the color is slightly different from the skin, but causes itching, redness, discomfort.
- filiform. In medicine they are called acrochords. They are more common in people over 50 years of age. At first they look yellowish bumps, growing, forming outgrowths up to 6 mm.
When warts appear in visible areas, a sick person can go to a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment. It is more difficult to determine the defeat of the cervix or vagina, especially if women neglect visits to the gynecologist.
Virus diagnosis
If suspicious growth is seen on the skin or mucous membranes in the form of papillae-like (warts) or uneven bumpy warts, you should definitely consult a doctor. Warts do not cause cancer as often as flat papillomas, but they are best removed to reduce the chances of those around you becoming infected.
Given the possibility of cancer development, such neoplasms are being investigated.
The doctor analyzes the human papilloma virus - scraping from the surface of the mucosa (colposcopy with damage to the cervix - examining the mucosa under strong magnification) or skin. The sample is examined under a microscope for changes in tissue structure (dysplasia), as well as to determine the type of virus.
Cervical smears are divided into 5 classes according to the results of cytology studies:
- no changes;
- changes caused by inflammatory processes;
- there are small changes in cell structure, histology is needed;
- cells were found with signs of malignant changes;
- there are many cells with signs of cancer.
Histological examination provides a more detailed picture of changes in tissue structure.
Clinics use special HPV - tests that allow you to get more accurate analytical results. A positive test result indicates the presence of malignant processes in the tissue.
HPV carries a high risk of oncogenic. Human papilloma virus types 16 and 18 carry a high risk of cancer, which is found in 70% of cases examined.
Based on the results of the examination, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.
HPV Treatment Methods
How to treat human papilloma virus? Regarding the decrease in immunity due to the disease, doctors first prescribe medications that increase it:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
But the main method of treatment is the compulsory removal of neoplasms by the methods of modern cosmetology:
- diathermoelectrocoagulation;
- cryoprecipitation ("cauterization" with liquid nitrogen);
- laser removal;
- radio or chemical treatment;
- introduction of immunosuppressants or immunomodulators into growth.
In all cases of the disease, the types of treatment should be determined by a specialist.
If, according to the results of the examination, pathological processes in the skin have not been found, then only papillomas with a small surrounding skin area are removed. If malignant cells are detected, the operation can capture a significant area, depending on the depth of the lesion.
Folk methods and recipes
How to cure the human papilloma virus? Traditional medicine has always helped fight disease. The experience of HPV treatment is also quite extensive.
Methods recommended by traditional medicine. You can lubricate warts:
- celandine juice;
- sour apple juice and their pomace;
- dandelion juice;
- ammonia.
Created Recipes:
- Prepare an infusion of chaga, celandine, string, freeze it and apply pieces of ice 3-4 times a day.
- Lubricate with castor oil, then cover with a cloth. 5-6 such procedures are usually sufficient.
- Kerosene and walnuts. Grind unripe nuts in a meat grinder, then mix: for 1 part nuts - 2 parts kerosene, the mixture should be infused for three weeks. Apply warts 2 times a day.
To increase immunity, botanists recommend drinking
- potato juice,
- echinacea infusion,
- rosehip tea.
Herbal collections:
- dandelion roots, nettle, lemon balm, horsetail, plantain;
- wormwood, St. John's wort, violet, dill (seeds), calamus (roots), clover (flowers), plantains.
HPV treatment at home
You can remove papillomas at home using drugs sold in pharmacies:
- A special composition that freezes warts. It needs to be applied carefully so that it does not get on healthy skin. After the procedure, in about a week, the growths disappear, leaving no trace.
- Treatment with adhesive strips. It only takes 3 hours. But it can cause unpleasant or painful sensations when torn.
- 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 yet, do not forget about the viral nature of the appearance of unpleasant growths. Removing papillomas from the surface of the skin will not be possible to eradicate the disease. So, you should see a specialist to prevent the degeneration of cancerous neoplasms. HPV cannot yet be completely cured, but you can take steps to avoid infection.
To prevent you you need to:
- use of condoms for casual sex. The condom does not completely protect against HPV infection, as it does not cover the entire surface of the skin from contact, but it still helps in part to prevent the spread of the infection.
- Avoid visiting baths, pools, toilets, even with the smallest wounds on the skin.
- Babies are vaccinated against cervical cancer, which is caused by the HPV virus. Girls aged 11-12 get vaccinated. Vaccination results showed a reduction in this disease in women who received the drug.
Did you get a wart or a suspicious growth on your body? Contact a competent specialist and follow all the recommendations. HPV can sometimes be very dangerous. Learn about treatment and removal methods and take action!