Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a specific pathogen that causes a chronic infectious disease called human papillomavirus infection and is the most common infection in humans.
Modern medicine knows that there are several varieties of this microorganism, each with different manifestations: warts on the skin of the legs, arms and other parts of the body, genital warts on the mucosa of the genitals.HPV is found only in the basal layer of the skin and is sexually transmitted.
variety
There are numerous variants of this virus.Some of them are not harmful to humans at all.However, about forty types of HPV can cause genital warts on both male and female genitals.Others trigger the development of malignant cells.
Of all the known variants of human papillomavirus, the most common types are:
- HPV, which causes plantar warts, which look similar to calluses;
- HPV that causes the development of flat warts;
- HPV, which causes the growth of common warts;
- HPV, which causes genital warts and papillomas on male and female genitals;
- HPV, which causes precancerous rashes.
All HPV types are classified as safe, low cancer risk, and high cancer risk based on their likelihood of causing cancer.The latter appears on the genitals of both men and women in the form of genital warts and papillomas.If this type of growth is detected, it must be removed immediately.
How does it spread?
Human papillomavirus is highly contagious.Most often, the infection itself occurs in early childhood, a period when the child is actively exploring the world around him, during which time the child's skin suffers injuries (abrasions, scratches).It is through this damage that the papillomavirus can penetrate the child's body.
Certain strains of the virus can cause genital warts in adults.In this case, the transmission mechanism is entirely sexual.The virus is spread from one sexual partner to another through microtrauma to the genitals, including through anal and oral sex.
In addition, human papillomavirus can be transmitted in the following ways:
- The virus is transmitted from mother to child during delivery.In this case, papillomas in newborns occur on the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, as well as in the anal and genital areas;
- Self-infection, in which the virus is transferred from one part of the body to another during shaving or hair removal;
- The virus is spread through household means (showers or swimming pools).
symptom
The immune system of healthy people is able to overcome the activity of the virus in the early stages of its development, so in most cases, HPV does not manifest itself in any way.Decreased immunity allows the virus to become more active, leading to the development of characteristic clinical symptoms.When the virus accumulates in a certain location on the skin or mucous membranes, it disrupts cell reproduction and accelerates cell division.In this case, the growth that occurs indicates the presence of the virus in the body.The growths can be in the form of papillomas, genital warts, and warts.
Papillomas are soft, elongated growths with stems attached to the skin.Most commonly, papillomas form in women under the breasts, armpits, groin, neck, and sometimes on the face.The number and size of papillomas are increasing rapidly.
Warts are round, hard, rough growths with clear borders that are 2 mm to 1 cm in diameter.They most commonly form on the hands, elbows, and knees.
Genital warts are fairly soft growths with a rough surface and stems attached to the skin.They are most common in the external genital and anal areas.A distinctive feature of genital warts is their rapid growth in clusters or cauliflower shapes.
among women
When the human papillomavirus enters a woman's body, it causes the appearance of genital warts or genital papillomas (between the ages of 15 and 30 years) and often causes cervical erosion and dysplasia.Typically, the first tumors appear within three months of infection, most often in the labia minora, cervical canal, skin around the anus, and the mouth.The infection can survive in a woman's body for a long time without manifesting in any way.The onset of menopause activates viruses that lead to malignant tumors of the mucosal cells of the reproductive organs.
among men
A characteristic feature of human papillomavirus in men is the prolonged and asymptomatic progression of the disease.In the context of immune stability, the virus does not show any outward manifestations.But factors such as hypothermia, overexertion and infectious diseases can significantly reduce the level of immunity, which in itself can lead to the first clinical signs such as the appearance of tumors on the skin and mucous membranes.Men can develop genital warts (genital papillomas), whose favorite habitats are the anus and penis.Men may also develop recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis.
Human papillomavirus treatment
Modern medicine does not have a single specific drug that can combat human papillomavirus.Most growths resolve on their own within 6 months to 3 years.Previously transferred virus types create lifelong immunity in the body.
In the vast majority of cases, the goal of HPV treatment is not to eliminate the pathogen but to eliminate the external manifestations of its activity.Warts and papillomas need to be removed if they cause cosmetic discomfort or become painful.Genital warts must be removed in both men and women.The main removal methods are: electrocoagulation using electric current, and freezing destruction using liquid nitrogen.
Treatment of papillomas and warts involves the use of the following medical procedures:
- Long-term daily treatment of warts with 20% salicylic acid solution;
- Injection into source of infection;
- Topically treat warts with ointments;
- cauterize papillomas and warts with special preparations;
- Cryotherapy (tumor removal in 3-4 sessions);
- Laser treatments (1-3 sessions).
Folk remedies treatment
Treatment for HPV involves the use of traditional medical methods.The most common of these include:
- Use celandine, dandelion, green apple, aloe vera juice to treat warts;
- gruel compress made from wild cabbage leaves, frozen rowan, garlic, kalancho flower;
- Take a bath with a puree of St. John's wort and chamomile;
- Treat warts with vinegar and willow bark decoction.
You should not expect immediate recovery from folk remedies.This is a long and lasting process.But patience and perseverance will bring positive results.