Papillomavirus is a group of viruses, in which there are about 24 subgroups. To date, about 600 species have been discovered. It is only transmitted from person to person. The problem of diagnosing and treating human papillomavirus (HPV) is faced by many people and doctors. The virus is able to stimulate tumor processes, it is found in the skin, esophagus, oral mucosa, bronchi, conjunctiva and even in the rectum.
Causes and modes of infection
Human papillomavirus is a very common disease transmitted by:
- during sexual intercourse;
- when touched, kissed;
- through scratches or cuts when visiting the pool, bath, public restrooms or gym;
- during shaving or epilation.
Statistics say that even with a partner women are infected in 20% of cases.
About 70% of the population are sick and are carriers of HPV. The virus is particularly actively transmitted from patients who have warts on their body (it is this virus that causes them to appear) in the form of uneven sharp or flat growths on the skin and genitals. In medicine they are called warts and papillomas.
Possible infection of newborns by mother during childbirth. In infants, 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 obvious signs of the virus.
The appearance of warts on the skin can occur gradually and one by one, but it is also possible for many condylomas or papillomas to grow rapidly at the same time, similar in shape to sea kale.
If the infection occurred sexually, then human papillomavirus is manifested in women:
- in the labia region;
- vagina;
- cervix;
For men:
- around the head of the penis;
- on the skin of the genitals.
When partners withdraw from oral sex, the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are affected, for lovers of anal sex - the anus, the rectum.
Men rarely suffer from this disease, although they may be carriers of it. During the examination of the spouses, the virus is most often found in women.
Careful!If suspicious growths are found, consult a doctor urgently, as with some types of viruses, neoplasms regenerate causing 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 neoplasms, benign and oncological.
In the 1980s, doctors confirmed the link between HPV infection and cervical cancer.
The following types of viruses are classified according to the location of the skin lesions and the varieties:
- sputum;
- "butcher warts";
- common;
- flat.
In the genitals:
- genital warts;
- flat, provoking changes in the surface of the cervical membrane and causing oncology;
- papillomas that cause cancer of the genitals and anus in both women and men.
Other types:
- damage to the oral mucosa;
- respiratory tract papillomas;
- tumors of the neck, head, lungs.
Variety:
- Simple papillomas appear on the back of the palms, and in children they may grow to the knees. They look like rough growths in the shape of cones.
- Plantar - interfere with walking, look at first as glossy growth, then grow into a wart with an edge at the base. Growing up, they form a whole group of similar formations.
- Flat - the color changes slightly from the skin, but causes itching, redness, discomfort.
- Filiform. In medicine they are called acrochords. Most often they appear in people over 50 years old. At first, they look like yellow lumps, growing, forming protrusions 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 damage to the cervix or vagina, especially if women neglect visits to the gynecologist.
Diagnosis of the virus
If suspicious growths appear on the skin or mucous membranes in the form of papillae-like warts or uneven, nodular, you should definitely consult a doctor. Warts do not cause cancer as often as flat papillomas, but they are best removed to reduce the chance of infecting people around you.
Due to the possibility of developing cancer, such neoplasms are being investigated.
The doctor does an analysis for human papillomavirus - scratches from the surface of the mucosa (colposcopy with damage to the cervix - examination of the mucosa under severe enlargement) 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 tests are divided into 5 classes according to the results of a cytological study:
- there are no changes;
- changes caused by inflammatory processes;
- there are small changes in cell structure, histology required;
- cells with signs of malignant changes were found;
- there are many cells with signs of cancer.
Histological examination gives a more detailed picture of changes in tissue structure.
Clinics use special HPV - tests that allow you to get more accurate test results. A positive test result indicates the appearance of malignant processes in the tissue.
HPV is at high oncogenic risk. The high risk of cancer is caused by human papillomavirus 16 and 18, which are found in 70% of examination 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 of immunity caused by the disease, first of all, doctors prescribe drugs that increase it:
- interferon;
- interferonogens.
But the main means of treatment is the mandatory removal of neoplasms with the methods of modern cosmetology:
- diathermyelectrocoagulation;
- cryodestruction ("cauterization" with liquid nitrogen);
- laser removal;
- radio or chemical treatment;
- introduction of increased immunostimulants or immunomodulators.
In any case 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 are not found, then remove only the papillomas with a small area of the surrounding skin. If malignant cells are detected, surgery can capture a significant area, depending on the depth of the lesion.
Popular methods and recipes
How to cure human papillomavirus? Traditional medicine at all times has helped fight diseases. Experience in treating HPV is also quite extensive.
Tools recommended by traditional medicine. You can lubricate the warts:
- celandine juice;
- sour apple juice and their pulp;
- dandelion juice;
- ammonia.
Proven recipes:
- Prepare an infusion of chaga, celandine, twine, lift and apply ice cubes 3-4 times a day.
- Coat with castor oil and then cover with a cloth. Usually 5-6 such procedures are enough.
- Oil and nuts. Grind the unripe nuts in a meat grinder, then mix: for 1 part nuts - 2 parts kerosene, the mixture should be injected for three weeks. Apply to warts 2 times a day.
To boost immunity, herbalists recommend drinking
- potato juice,
- echinacea infusion,
- rose tea.
Plant collections:
- dandelion root, nettle, lemon balm, ponytail, plantain;
- wormwood, St. John's wort, tricolor violet, fennel (seeds), calamus (roots), clover (flowers), plantain.
HPV treatment at home
You can remove papillomas at home using medicines sold in pharmacies:
- Special composition that freezes warts. It should be applied carefully so that it does not stick to healthy skin. After the procedure, in about a week, the growths will disappear, leaving no trace.
- Adhesive tape treatment. It only takes 3 hours. But it can cause uncomfortable or painful sensations when disconnected.
- Dilute 2. 5 grams of aspirin powder, the same amount of iodine, 2 grams of boric acid in 100 ml of alcohol and smear the papillomas with this composition.
Prevention of infection
And yet, do not forget about the viral nature of the appearance of unpleasant growths. By removing the papillomas from the surface of the skin, it will not be possible to get rid of the disease. Therefore, you should go to a specialist to prevent the degeneration of neoplasms into cancer. It is not yet possible to completely cure HPV, but you can take steps to avoid 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 nevertheless partially help prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid visits to baths, swimming pools, toilets, even with the smallest scars on the skin.
- Children are vaccinated against cervical cancer, which is caused by the HPV virus. Girls 11-12 years old are vaccinated. Vaccination results showed a reduction in this disease in women who took the drug.
Have you found a wart or a suspicious growth in your body? Contact a competent specialist and follow all recommendations. HPV can sometimes be very dangerous. Learn about treatment and removal methods and take action!