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 addressed by many people and doctors. The virus is able to stimulate cancerous processes, it is found in the skin, esophagus, mucous membranes of the mouth, bronchi, conjunctiva and even the rectum.
Causes and ways of infection
Human papillomavirus is a very common disease transmitted by:
- during sexual intercourse;
- when touched, kissed;
- from scratches or cuts when you visit the pool, the bath, the public toilets or the gym.
- when shaving or waxing.
Statistics say that even with a partner, women become infected in 20% of cases.
About 70% of the population are sick and carriers of HPV. The virus is transmitted particularly actively by patients who have warts on their body (it is this virus that causes them) 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 babies, the disease manifests itself in the form of growths on 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 currently 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 warts or papillomas to grow rapidly at the same time, similar in shape to sea kale.
If the infection is sexually transmitted, then the human papillomavirus is manifested in women:
- in the area of the lips;
- sinus;
- cervix;
For men:
- around the head of the penis;
- on the skin of the genitals.
When partners are seduced by 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 the disease, although they may be carriers. During the examination of the husbands, the virus is more often detected in women.
Caution!If suspicious growths are detected, consult a doctor immediately, as with certain types of viruses, tumors regenerate, causing cancer.
Classification and types
To date, about 600 types of the virus have been identified. 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 tumors, benign and oncological.
In the 1980s, doctors demonstrated 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:
- plantar;
- "butcher's warts";
- usual;
- level.
In the genitals:
- genital warts?
- level, causing 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 nipples;
- tumors of the neck, head, lungs.
Varieties:
- Simple papillae appear on the back of the palms and in children can develop on the knees. They look like rough growths in the form of cones.
- Plantar - block walking, look at first as glossy growths, then grow into warts with lip at the base. Growing up, they form a whole bunch of similar formations.
- Flat - the color is slightly different from the skin, but causes itching, redness, discomfort.
- Nematode. In medicine they are called acrochords. They occur most often in people over 50 years. At first, they look like yellowish bumps, which grow, forming protrusions up to 6 mm.
When warts appear in visible areas, a sick person can go to a medical facility 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 you develop suspicious growths on the skin or mucous membranes in the form of papules (warts) or uneven, abnormal warts, you should definitely consult a doctor. Warts do not cause cancer as often as flat warts, but are best removed to reduce the chance of infecting those around you.
Due to the possibility of developing cancer, such tumors are being investigated.
The doctor analyzes the human papillomavirus - abrasion from the surface of the mucosa (colposcopy with damage to the cervix - examination of the mucosa under strong enlargement) or the 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 categories according to the results of a cytological study:
- Without changes;
- the changes are caused by inflammatory processes.
- there are small changes in the structure of the cells, histology is required.
- cells with signs of malignant changes were found.
- there are many cells with signs of cancer.
The histological examination gives a more detailed picture of the changes in the structure of the tissue.
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. High risk of cancer is caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which are found in 70% of screening cases.
Based on the test results, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.
HPV treatment methods
How is the human papillomavirus treated? In relation to the reduction of immunity caused by the disease, first of all, doctors prescribe drugs that increase it:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
But the main means of treatment is the obligatory removal of tumors with the methods of modern cosmetology:
- diathermy electrocoagulation;
- cold destruction ("cauterization" with liquid nitrogen).
- laser removal;
- radioactive or chemical treatment;
- introduction of immunostimulants or immunomodulators in increments.
In any case of the disease, the types of treatment should be determined by a specialist.
If, according to the results of the examination, no pathological processes are detected in the skin, then only nipples with a small area of skin around 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 human papillomavirus? At all times, traditional medicine has helped to fight disease. Experience in treating HPV is also quite extensive.
Means suggested by traditional medicine. You can lubricate the warts:
- Celery juice;
- sour apple juice and their core.
- dandelion juice;
- ammonia.
Proven recipes:
- Prepare an infusion of chaga, celandine, twine, freeze it and apply pieces of ice 3-4 times a day.
- Lubricate with castor oil and then cover with a cloth. Usually 5-6 such procedures are enough.
- Kerosene and nuts. Grind unripe nuts in a meat grinder and then mix: for 1 part nuts - 2 parts kerosene, the mixture should be infused for three weeks. Apply to warts 2 times a day.
To boost immunity, herbalists recommend that you drink
- potato juice,
- echinacea infusion,
- rose tea.
Herbal Collections:
- dandelion roots, nettle, lemon balm, ponytail, plane tree;
- absinthe, asparagus, tricolor violet, dill (seeds), reed (roots), clover (flowers), plane trees.
HPV treatment at home
You can remove nipples at home using medicines sold in pharmacies:
- Special composition that freezes warts. It must be applied carefully so as not to stick to healthy skin. After the procedure, in about a week, the growths will disappear, leaving no trace.
- Editing with self-adhesive tapes. It lasts only 3 hours. But it can cause unpleasant or painful sensations when removed.
- 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 nipples with this composition.
Infection prevention
And yet, do not forget the viral nature of the appearance of unpleasant growths. By removing the nipples 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 cancer neoplasms. Complete cure for HPV is not yet possible, 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 helps to partially prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid visiting baths, swimming pools, toilets, even with the smallest wounds on the skin.
- Children are vaccinated against cervical cancer, which is caused by the HPV virus. Girls 11-12 years old are vaccinated. The results of the vaccination showed a reduction in this disease in women who took the drug.
Did you find warts or suspicious growth on your body? Contact a qualified specialist and follow all recommendations. HPV can sometimes be very dangerous. Learn about treatment and removal methods and take action!