Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects epithelial cells and has a particle diameter of 55 nm. A special feature is the proliferation of the epithelium of the skin, as well as mucous membranes. At the initial stage, the pathogen usually affects the basal cells of the epithelium, entering them through microtraumas. Localized papillomas are usually found on the skin of the neck, armpits, groin and genitals (most often), the oral mucosa and the nasopharynx.
This virus can exist for many years without symptoms. To detect HPV, electron microscopic or molecular hybridization methods are used.
Types of human papilloma virus
In humans, there is HPV, which affects the mucous membranes and the skin. Among the large number of papillomaviruses, species with low and high oncogenic risk are distinguished. It has been proven that oncogenic properties are related to the ability to integrate DNA into the genome of human cells.
The virus is activated in 10-20% of cases. Depending on its type, it can lead to benign or malignant lesions. Some HPVs are not oncogenic. They lead to the appearance of warts and genital warts. The most common are HPV 6 and 11.
HPV oncogenes are those that have a high risk of developing cancerous lesions, especially on the cervix or anus. For the skin, HPV 16 and 18, as well as 5 and 8, which can lead to skin cancer, are more common. Cervical cancer is the most well-known form of cancer caused by HPV. But men can also be infected with the papillomavirus, which causes cancer of the penis or anus in the worst cases.
Women often have HPV 16 - this is a form in which introsomal parasitism is observed, i. e. outside the cell chromosome (benign). HPV 18 carries a high risk of developing cancer - benign tumors are formed at first, which after a while develop into cancer. Virions in this case have tiny sizes (up to 30 nm).
- neoplasms of the cervix;
- invasive or pre-invasive oncology;
- genital warts of the urinary tract and genitals.
Aspects of infection
The human papillomavirus is highly contagious. It is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane-to-mucous membrane contact with an infected person. In the case of genital infection, this often occurs during vaginal or oral intercourse. Having a large number of sexual partners or other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) increases the risk. Indirect transmission through objects, contaminated clothing or bedding is also possible but is extremely rare.
In 7% of cases, transmission of the virus from mother to child is possible during childbirth, when the infection is active. The risk increases to 40% if you are infected with HPV 16 or 18.
By attacking the epithelium, violating its integrity, papillomavirus infection promotes the growth of the lower layer of epithelial cells in the form of condylomas or warts. This form of the disease is contagious and spreads quickly to others. Usually, warts and condylomas do not cause metastases and often disappear spontaneously.
Symptoms of HPV
The incubation period lasts up to 9 months (3 months on average). HPV can be present in the body without obvious symptoms. The virus can go unnoticed for months or years. Even at this stage it is contagious.
Skin warts usually occur in groups and increase in number when scratched. The two most common types of papillomas are grayish-green, hard, raised warts with a broken surface (common wart) or flat and red warts (flat ant). Spiny warts occur on the soles of the feet or heels, grow inward and therefore are often painful.
- Genital glands. Pale or reddish nodules that often appear in groups and occur on the labia, vagina, penis, urethra, anal canal, and rectum. They are very contagious.
- Flat condylomas. They appear in the form of flat nodes and are mainly found on the female genital organs. They increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Giant condylomas (Buschke-Levenshtein tumors). They grow in huge formations, destroying the surrounding tissue. In rare cases, they can degenerate and lead to squamous cell carcinoma.
The mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract can also be infected. The conjunctiva of the eye may be affected, resulting in stalky pink growths.
It is more difficult to detect an asymptomatic course, which the doctor can only see with the help of auxiliary methods such as acetic acid (which causes discoloration of warts) or a microscope.
In addition, the virus can take up residence in cells without any tissue changes. Then they talk about latent infection, that is, the presence of pathogens, but without symptoms. Once infected, this stage can last from several weeks to several months.
Possible consequences
Once infected, viruses enter the cells of the integumentary tissue of the skin and mucous membrane, settle in the nuclei of the cellular structures and multiply there. Usually, such HPV infections are ignored and heal on their own without consequences, since the immune system will succeed in fighting the pathogen.
However, certain types of HPV cause skin changes called growths. Possible forms include genital warts or condylomas and papillomas, which can affect, for example, the face, hands or feet.
The tissue changes that occur are mostly benign, but they can also lead to degeneration and cancer. For example, cancer can occur decades or thirty years after HPV infection. Cancer of the female external genitalia (cancer of the vulva and vagina), anal cancer, cancer of the penis, and cancer of the mouth and throat (tumors of the head and neck) are also possible.
Establish a diagnosis
Women are tested for HPV infection as part of preventive visits to the gynecologist. During a gynecological examination, a smear is taken from the lining of the cervix, called a Papanicolaou test (cytological examination). The resulting material is studied for tissue changes to determine pre-cancerous conditions.
In addition, an HPV test may be performed, in which cellular material from a mucosal swab or tissue sample is tested in a laboratory for the presence of certain viruses. However, this only proves that the affected area is infected, but does not make any statements as to whether tissue changes have occurred. Therefore, HPV testing, especially when combined with Pap testing, makes sense and can help detect early precursors of cancer.
If the test is positive, there is no cause for concern as infections do not always lead to cancer. Regular examination is recommended to detect tissue changes at an early stage. Conversely, a negative test result does not indicate whether there was an infection in the past that the body successfully fought.
For men, there is no preventive examination in which the test is carried out regularly. If there is an underlying cancer, testing the tumor can determine whether HPV infection is the cause of the cancer.
Specialized DNA methods are also used in laboratory diagnostics, such as real-time PCR. Anogenital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11 are easily detected during a gynecological examination.
How to cure the human papilloma virus
In most cases, the disease does not require treatment because it goes away on its own and then the viruses are no longer detected. However, if this is not the case, the infection may last longer and last for months or years.
So far, there are no methods of systemic impact on this virus that could completely destroy it. However, treating existing warts reduces the number of viruses, so in many cases the immune system can fight the remaining viruses and thus get rid of them. In some cases, the pathogens persist and can cause the symptoms of the disease repeatedly.
- Plant and genital tissues can be treated with medications formulated with salicylic acid for topical application.
- Cryotherapy is a method often used for HPV as well. In this case, the wart is burned with cold, using liquid nitrogen.
- Laser or electrocautery are equally used methods.
In the case of cancer caused by HPV, treatment is much more difficult. For cervical cancer, it is often advisable to remove the uterus, respectively the upper part of the vagina and ovaries. This can be supplemented with radiation therapy to eliminate the possibility of relapse. Other cancers caused by HPV are often treated with targeted therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
It should be remembered that the operation is not a radical solution, but only solves a cosmetic problem, since after its removal the virus can remain in the surrounding tissues and condylomas can appear again.
Prevention of infection
There are two vaccinations: a bivalent vaccine against HPV 16 and 18 and a quadrivalent vaccine against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. Vaccination is recommended for all girls aged 14 and over.
Vaccination does not protect against all types of HPV. Therefore, all women between the ages of 25 and 65, even if they receive vaccination, are recommended to have regular smear examinations.
Timely detection and complete elimination of condylomas reduces the risk of disease. The effectiveness of using condoms to protect against the transmission of infection can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease. A specific multivalent vaccine is the most promising way to prevent and treat the early stages of disease caused by this infection.
Why appear plantar warts and treatment methods
Warts are skin lesions that appear in the form of special round formations that push above the surface. They are caused by specific viruses.
These formations often cause physical discomfort due to their location. Even after treatment they usually recur.
Types and causes
There are many types of warts; they are classified according to several characteristics:
- Simple. They occur on exposed parts of the body, arms, legs, face and scalp. They are usually not dangerous, but they are not aesthetically pleasing and can enlarge quickly, affecting large areas of the skin. They are arranged as if in "families".
- Planter. Its localization is exclusively on the legs. Causes discomfort while walking.
The main cause is infection with the human papillomavirus, which affects the mucous membranes and the skin.
The human papilloma virus
This is one of the most common viruses in the world. Infection can occur in several ways:
- contact and family (by contact);
- sexual (genital, anal, oral-genital);
- during childbirth from mother to child.
The period of development of the disease lasts from several weeks to thousands of years, this is explained by the fact that the virus could not manifest itself for a long time, but as soon as the immunity becomes a little weaker, an immediate growth of the. skin and/or mucous membranes. The main danger of this disease is that certain types of HPV are very likely to cause a malignant tumor (cancer of the skin or mucous membranes). To ensure that a tumor will not be created as a result of the disease, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a doctor and not self-medicate.
Symptoms and types of warts on the foot
Plant whiskey appears as a callus-like thickening of the stratum corneum skin layer. It interferes with walking and causes pain. The passive state is characterized by slow reproduction, without reaching the stratum corneum of the epithelium, so this condition does not show externally.
The active state is characterized by the fact that the virus develops rapidly and, rising to the upper layers of the epidermis, manifests itself in many symptoms. The plantar wart is also known as the spinous wart, the chicken whistle. The virus enters when it comes into contact with the skin through cuts and scrapes in the outer layer of the skin:
- First, a small yellow-gray papule appears with an uneven surface.
- Gradually, the small element becomes dense and acquires a dirty color.
From the inside, a plantar wart looks like fused papillae of different sizes with a pink tint. Extra capillary vessels form there, causing bleeding if you get a wart.
Eliminate plantar warts
A plantar wart is worth treating if:
- There are painful sensations.
- The wart is bleeding.
- It had spots.
- The wart increases rapidly in size.
There are many treatment methods. One of them is cryo-destruction. The essence of the method is that the wart is exposed to liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 degrees. The area affected by the virus is frozen and the wart removed.
The usual and aggressive method of exposure is used. With the aggressive method, nitrogen is applied for a few seconds longer, but this method is more painful. It is important to note that if a wart appears and is there for more than six months, then the effectiveness of cryodestruction is greatly reduced, and the meaning of such an operation disappears, accordingly.
After removing a plantar wart using liquid nitrogen, you should follow some recommendations:
- the blister left at the site of the tissue cannot be opened;
- to avoid mechanical damage, use a sterile bandage instead of a plaster;
- Treat the affected area with 2% salicylic alcohol twice a day;
- try to prevent water from entering the affected area.
Another method is laser coagulation. This is one of the most common methods of removing warts. Most laser systems are equipped with a special cooling system. Therefore, the procedure is performed with minimal discomfort and does not allow inflammation, since the laser has antiseptic properties. Moreover, this is a non-contact method.
There are several ways:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Treatment in this case takes place using infrared light. The method is 70% effective, but the downside is that healthy tissue can also be damaged.
- Erbium laser. This treatment method uses a shorter wavelength, which reduces the likelihood of scarring after surgery. The efficiency is usually 75%.
- Pulsed dye lasers. With this method of exposure, primary destruction of dilated capillaries in a wart and stimulation of the immune system, which contributes to effective healing. The effectiveness of the treatment is about 95%.
After laser treatment, a crust forms on the affected area, which disappears on its own within seven to ten days. The recommendations for this treatment method are the same as after exposure to nitrogen - avoid mechanical damage and water ingress.
The other way to remove warts is electrocoagulation. In this case, a high frequency current is applied to the hive. Treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia. When a wart is exposed to high temperatures it causes the cells affected by the papilloma virus to evaporate. Another advantage of this method is that the cauterization of the blood vessels prevents bleeding. After surgery, a crust forms on the affected area of the skin, which disappears within 7 to 10 days.
A plantar wart can be treated with direct surgery. In this case, excision takes place under local anaesthetic, then sutures are applied. After the operation, the doctor will prescribe certain recommendations. Therefore, it is recommended to prevent water and soap from entering the affected area, without removing the resulting crust, and to treat the affected area with an antiseptic in the first 7-10 days.
For each type of operation there are certain contraindications. Therefore, it will be impossible to perform the operation if the following occurs:
- pregnancy;
- diabetes;
- malignant tumors in the body;
- infection and inflammation around the wart;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- elevated temperature.
If your blood pressure is high, the procedure should also be postponed.
Treatment of warts without surgery
People often wonder how to remove a plantar wart without surgery. To do this, you can use ointments and pharmaceutical solutions.
Basically, these ointments have the following effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- immunomodulatory;
- antiviral;
- antifungal.
In addition, it may contain vitamin E, which also has a positive effect on treatment, since vitamins generally strengthen the body and reduce the risk of relapse.
It is important to use these products for single and shallow plantar warts. Moreover, if any side effects occur, it is necessary to wash the drug with plenty of hot water and immediately seek help from a doctor.
So, warts can be cured, there are many ways to do this, but you should not do this without consulting a doctor first, so as not to harm your health. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate if the attending physician prescribes contraindications.
Treatment of papillomas on the body
Hardware methods
With modern hardware methods to treat papillomas it is possible to get rid of them and prevent the development of relapse of the disease. The most commonly used methods are:
- Cryo-destruction involves destroying growths by exposing them to low temperatures.
- Electrocoagulation involves the humiliation of formations with an electric current, the strength and frequency of which is chosen depending on the size, type and density of the papilloma.
- laser removal. The type of influence is clear from the name. The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes and helps to get rid of unpleasant growths forever.
Drug treatment
Medications used include celandine preparations, castor oil, lapis pencil, Sani Skin and Dermavit.
They show varying effectiveness and do not prevent the relapse of the disease. The main disadvantage of drug therapy for papillomas is the frequent development of allergic reactions.
Prevention of papillomas
To avoid the appearance of growths and infection with the human papillomavirus, you should:
- Use barrier contraception during intercourse.
- Follow the rules of personal hygiene and use only individual towels, soap and a toothbrush.
- When visiting public baths, do not neglect to wear rubber shoes.
You should also normalize your daily routine, eat a balanced diet, give up bad habits and avoid stressful situations. These factors do not cause the disease, but they can stimulate its development if the virus is already present in the body.