Papillomavirus is a group of viruses in which there are about 24 subgroups. To date, about 600 species have been found. It is transmitted only from person to person. Many people and doctors face the problem of diagnosing and treating the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is able to stimulate tumor processes, is found on the skin, in the esophagus, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the bronchi, conjunctiva and even in the rectum.
Causes and ways of infection
Human papillomavirus is a very common disease transmitted by:
- during sexual intercourse;
- when touching, kissing;
- by scratches or cuts when visiting a swimming pool, bathroom, public toilets or gym;
- when shaving or hair removal.
Statistics show that even with one partner, women become infected in 20% of cases.
About 70% of the population is ill and carries HPV. The virus is particularly active in patients who have warts on their body (it is this virus that causes them to appear) in the form of pointed or flat uneven growths on the skin and genitals. In medicine, they are called warts and papillomas.
Possible infection of newborns by the 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. There are no visible signs of the virus at this time.
The appearance of warts on the skin can appear gradually and one by one, but it is also possible that many warts or papillomas grow quickly at once, similar in shape to sea cabbage.
If the infection is sexually transmitted, then the human papillomavirus occurs in women:
- in the labia;
- vagina;
- cervix;
For man:
- around the head of the penis;
- on the skin of the genitals.
When partners are attracted to oral sex, the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are affected, for lovers of anal sex - anus, rectum.
Men rarely suffer from the disease, although they can be carriers. In spouses, the virus is more common in women.
Attention!If suspicious growths are found, consult a doctor immediately, as some types of viruses regenerate, causing cancer.
Classification and types
To date, about 600 species of virus have been detected. They are mostly harmless and disappear within two years of infection in the presence of normal immunity.
However, about 40 species are dangerous to humans, causing neoplasms, both benign and cancerous.
In the 1980s, doctors proved the link between HPV infection and cervical cancer.
The following types of viruses are classified according to the location of skin lesions and varieties:
- plantar;
- "butcher's warts";
- ordinary;
- apartment.
On the genitals:
- genital warts;
- flat, provoking changes in the surface of the cervical membrane and causing oncology;
- papillomas, which cause cancer of the genitals and anus in both women and men.
Other kinds:
- damage to the oral mucosa;
- airway papillomas;
- tumors of the neck, head, lungs.
varieties:
- Ordinary papillomas appear on the back of the palms, and in children they can grow on the knees. They look like coarse growths in the form of cones.
- Plantar - hinder walking, look at first as shiny growths, then grow to a wart with an edge at the base. As they grow, they form a whole bunch of similar formations.
- Flat - the color differs slightly from the skin, but causes itching, redness, discomfort.
- Filamentous. In medicine they are called acrochords. They are more common in people over the age of 50. At first they look like yellowish bumps, grow, forming growths up to 6 mm.
When warts appear in visible places, a sick person can go to a medical facility 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.
Viral diagnosis
If suspicious growths in the form of papillae (warts) or uneven, uneven warts appear on the skin or mucous membranes, you should definitely consult a doctor. Warts do not cause cancer as often as squamous papillomas, but they are best removed to reduce the chances of infecting people around you.
Due to the possibility of developing cancer, such neoplasms are being studied.
The doctor takes an analysis for human papillomavirus - scraping from the surface of the mucosa (colposcopy with damage to the cervix - examination of the mucosa at high 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 cytological examination:
- no changes;
- the changes are caused by inflammatory processes;
- there are minor changes in cell structure, histology is 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, which allow you to get more accurate test results. A positive test result indicates the appearance of malignant processes in the tissue.
HPV has a high oncogenic risk. High risk of cancer is caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which are found in 70% of cases.
Based on the results of the study, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.
Methods of treating HPV
How to treat human papillomavirus? In connection with the reduction of immunity caused by the disease, in the first place, doctors prescribe drugs that increase it:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
But the main means of treatment is the mandatory removal of neoplasms by the methods of modern cosmetology:
- diathermoelectrocoagulation;
- cryodestruction ("cauterization" with liquid nitrogen);
- laser removal;
- radio or chemical treatment;
- introduction of immunostimulants or immunomodulators into growths.
In each case of the disease, the types of treatment should be determined by a specialist.
If according to the results of the study no pathological processes are found in the skin, then only papillomas with a small part of the skin around are removed. If malignant cells are found, surgery can capture a significant area, depending on the depth of the lesion.
Folk methods and recipes
How to cure 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 cake;
- dandelion juice;
- ammonia.
Proven recipes:
- Prepare a decoction of chaga, celandine, string, freeze it and apply pieces of ice 3-4 times a day.
- Grease with castor oil, then cover with a towel. Usually 5-6 such procedures are enough.
- Kerosene and nuts. Grind the unripe nuts in a meat grinder, then stir: for 1 part nuts - 2 parts kerosene, the mixture should be infused for three weeks. Apply on warts 2 times a day.
To boost immunity, herbalists recommend drinking
- potato juice,
- echinacea infusion
- rosehip tea.
Herbal collections:
- dandelion roots, nettle, balm, horsetail, plantain;
- wormwood, St. John's wort, tricolor violet, dill (seeds), calamus (roots), clover (flowers), plantain.
HPV treatment at home
You can remove papillomas at home using drugs sold in pharmacies:
- Special composition that freezes warts. It should be applied carefully so as not to get on healthy skin. After the procedure, after about a week, the growths will disappear without leaving any traces.
- Treatment with adhesive tapes. It only takes 3 hours. But it can cause unpleasant or painful sensations when detached.
- 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.
Prevention of infections
And yet, do not forget about the viral nature of the appearance of unpleasant growths. By removing papillomas from the surface of the skin, it will not be possible to get rid of the disease. Therefore, you should visit 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. The condom does not completely protect against HPV infection, as it does not cover the entire surface of the skin from contact, but still partially helps to prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid visiting bathrooms, swimming pools, toilets, even with 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 vaccination show a reduction in this disease in women who have received the drug.
Have you found warts or suspicious formations on 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!