Human papillomavirus is very widespread. Seventy people out of a hundred are carriers of the infection, as a result of which neoplasms appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Often the virus affects the intimate area. Although the body manages to overcome it thanks to a strong immune system, many do not suspect the presence of an infection. However, with a weak body condition, papillomavirus infection moves from a latent state to an active one. Some strains contribute to the development of cancer. Therefore, with the slightest suspicion of papillomavirus, you should see a doctor. Neglected infections require the use of destructive methods and serious medical treatment.
What is HPV?
If antibodies to HPV are found in the blood, the doctor will explain what it is. The abbreviation is human papillomavirus, another name is human papillomavirus infection. The English name is Human papillomavirus, abbreviated as HPV.
This is an infectious disease that is spread through contact. Human papillomavirus is divided into 27 species and more than 120 strains (or types), among which there are high, medium, low -risk oncogenic and non -oncogenic strains.
What does HPV look like? A person develops skin neoplasms: warts, papillomas, condylomas. This is due to the fact that viral DNA is integrated into the DNA of the damaged cell, altering its function. The process of division is accelerated, the growth features of the infection are formed, supplied with blood vessels.
The nature and localization of growth depends on the type of virus that has entered the body and the site of damage. Benign neoplasms appear everywhere: in the mouth, nasopharynx, face, neck, armpits, internal and external organs of the genitourinary system. It is possible to become infected even when shaking hands with an infection carrier, especially if there is damage to the skin.
When infected after sexual intercourse, the patient may not detect the neoplasm visually, however, itching, burning and discomfort in the area of the internal genitals or rectum, mucus or spots are also observed. Such symptoms are typical when papillomas appear on the surface of internal organs.
Where does the human papillomavirus come from?
HPV infection is primarily sexually transmitted, so those who frequently change sexual partners are more likely to become infected. But even with loyalty to a person, if he or she is an HPV carrier, there will be constant interinfection.
There are other reasons for the appearance of papillomavirus. Infections are also transmitted through household routes. The viral agent can stay long on wet surfaces in public places, such as swimming pools, saunas, bathrooms, from where it reaches the epithelium. And with the presence of microtraumas, they can penetrate into the basal layer of the skin.
This viral disease is transmitted to infants during childbirth from mothers who are infected with HPV. The possibility of self -infection during shaving and epilation is not excluded.
Virus activation factors
Papillomavirus infection manifests itself in the form of growths in more than 3/5 of the adult population. Observations show up to 80% of them recover without treatment within a year.
However, for some reason, the human papillomavirus remains in the body and becomes active. The main reason is the weakness of the immune system, because of which the body can not fight the virus.
Factors that reduce immunity include:
- bad habits (alcohol, nicotine, drugs);
- fatigue due to overwork, stress, malnutrition;
- long-term use of certain medications;
- hormonal changes, including during pregnancy.
Is papillomavirus dangerous
At the beginning of the development of the disease, many do not take the right steps, do not realize the seriousness of the situation, justify themselves with a lack of time and postpone visits to the doctor "for later". Consequences are coming. The virus continues to infect cells, growth increases in size, captures large areas of skin, in some cases it degenerates into oncology. A person begins to be treated when a health problem becomes apparent, but by that time the condition is already very much neglected. And all this time he was contagious.
How dangerous the human papillomavirus is, statistics show. In medical practice, cervical cancer in the absence of HPV does not occur. In most cases, viruses of the 16th and 18th types are responsible for the development of oncology. But not all HPV strains produce consequences in the form of malignant tumors.
Often, infections with other venereal diseases occur simultaneously with HPV.
cancer risk
Papillomavirus infection is not a death sentence. There are non -oncogenic and oncogenic types of human papillomavirus. There are high (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 50, 59, 64, 68, 70), medium (HPV 30, 35, 45, 52, 53, 56, 58) and low (HPV 3) groups. , 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 72, 73) cancer risk. Moreover, among the high oncogenicity strains, HPV-16 causes cervical cancer in 50% of cases. Therefore, if the disease is detected, first of all, an examination is carried out to determine the viral strain.
Effects on pregnancy
Women in positions who have been diagnosed with papillomavirus infection are concerned about the question of whether HPV is harmful to children. The virus is unable to penetrate the amniotic fluid and placenta, so it does not pose a danger to fetal development.
However, during childbirth, the presence of papillomas in the birth canal will cause certain complications:
- Injury to the tumor can cause severe bleeding and re -infection in the mother’s body.
- By direct contact with the papilloma, the child becomes infected, which will then lead to growth in the baby in the mouth, larynx, or in the vulva.
Therefore, as a precaution, couples who are planning a pregnancy are advised to undergo an HPV test.
Papillomavirus symptoms and types of rash
The appearance of warts, papillomas or condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes is an external sign of human papillomavirus.
Warts are hard, dry skin growths that look like nodules the size of a needle head or more. Often located in the palms and soles of the feet. So -called plantar warts appear in places where shoes rub the skin, especially with excessive sweating. Not all cases are associated with HPV infection.
Papillomas (from Latin papillo - "nipple") are benign tumors of the skin in the form of papillae. Formed on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nasopharynx, bladder. This is a gentle formation on the feet. The color varies from white to brown, but usually the papilloma has the color of the surrounding tissue. The growth is single, sometimes the whole "colony" grows, much like a chicken brush or cauliflower.
Condyloma is a type of papilloma, divided into flat and genital warts, observed mainly on the genitals, around the anus, on the oral mucosa. Moreover, in women, the virus usually manifests itself on the reproductive organs, but anal condylomatosis often develops in men. The appearance of a papilloma or wart is a clear sign of papillomavirus.
Symptoms of human papillomavirus are associated with the appearance of neoplasms and appear within two to three months after infection. If you find it, we recommend that you see a doctor immediately.
Flat papillomas usually occur during adolescence. They do not differ in color from the skin, forming small groups.
In the case of the formation of growths on the surface of internal organs, there is an unpleasant sensation of foreign bodies, burning and itching, discharge of blood or ichor.
Diagnostic methods
When warts, papillomas or condylomas appear, first of all, you should see a doctor for a clinical examination. Depending on the location of the growth, it will be a dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist or proctologist. If the presence of human papillomavirus is confirmed, an immunologist will participate in the treatment process.
Women with cervical neoplasms (on the cervix) must undergo colposcopy and biopsy to determine the presence of HPV infection. During colposcopy, tests are performed using clinical markers - acetic acid or Lugol's solution. Uneven absorption of the solution by the epithelium helps identify the human papilloma virus.
Smears are taken for cytological examination, where it is possible to detect atypical cells - reborn under the influence of the virus, and histological examination. At the same time, Digene testing for oncogenicity was performed.
An important role in the diagnosis of HPV is played by the method of PCR (polymerase chain reaction), by which the type of virus can be identified.
Blood tests are needed to detect other sexually transmitted infections.
How to treat human papillomavirus infection
How to cure human papillomavirus in the active stage and, moreover, is it possible to cure papillomavirus completely? Today, no method has been developed that guarantees absolute relief from human papillomavirus infection.
The question arises as to whether it is necessary to treat HPV and whether it makes sense. Yes, it is necessary. If the human papillomavirus is not treated, it will infect other cells, contributing to the growth of neoplasms. The following is an example of an HPV treatment regimen:
- unwanted growth is removed;
- antiviral drugs, drugs that strengthen the immune system, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed.
Antivirus
Treatment of papillomavirus infection begins with elimination of the cause of the disease. First of all, drugs are prescribed that do not kill microbes and do not allow the spread of human papillomavirus throughout the body.
Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after determining the viral strain, taking into account the age and specifics of the patient's body.
The most effective treatment for human papillomavirus is carried out with isoprinosine preparations, which inhibit viral DNA synthesis.
Immunomodulator
Treatment of papillomavirus infection with the help of immunomodulators is to strengthen the immune system, because the body's resistance to the virus depends on it. Immunograms help to prescribe the correct drug treatment, thanks to which the immune status is determined, after which the appropriate drug is selected.
To get rid of the human papillomavirus, interferon, a protein secreted by cells in response to a viral attack, must enter the battlefield. If the body is unable to produce it in the right amount, interferon preparations or interferon inducers are prescribed - substances that stimulate their own interferon production.
There are drugs that have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
Methods of Destruction
Treatment of papillomavirus with external manifestations must be treated by destructive methods, that is, the papilloma must be removed, as it is the focus of viral infection. There are various methods for this:
- lasers are used to evaporate shallow growths, leaving almost no traces;
- cryodestruction methods are used to freeze papillomas;
- electric knives burn neoplasms;
- surgery is performed in case of excessive growth or suspected cancer.
However, papillomavirus treatment does not end there. To fight infection, an integrated pharmacological approach is needed.
Application for local funds
How is human papillomavirus treated using local remedies? Although this approach has not proven to be very effective, because in this way it is impossible to remove the human papillomavirus from the body, papillomas are still treated with cauterizing drugs and mummies.
For topical use, ointments, gels, sprays and suppositories of antiviral and anti-inflammatory action are used. The best option will help you choose the attending physician.
The extent of treatment effectiveness
Is it possible to cure HPV forever and in general is HPV treatable or not? So far, no tool has been developed to help get rid of papillomavirus permanently. The essence of treatment is to stop the development of pathology, to save a person from neoplasms that interfere with normal life, and to prevent the occurrence of recurrence as much as possible, because the papilloma virus remains in the body.
Experts say that in some cases, patients manage to beat the infection completely. These results are influenced by many individual factors, including the general condition of the body.
Prevention of papillomavirus infection
Protecting yourself from HPV infection is everyone’s personal responsibility.
First of all, it is important to have a sexual partner. Using a condom when in contact with a virus carrier is often not enough. Studies have proven a link between frequent partner changes, HPV disease and the development of cervical cancer in women. If an infection is detected, both sexual partners should be examined and treated to prevent re-infection.
A conscious healthy lifestyle will contribute to the strengthening of the whole body, which will help overcome the virus.
Vaccination
Papillomavirus infection, ease of its transmission and spread, high risk of oncogenicity - all this is of great concern to doctors. In 2006, a human papillomavirus vaccine was developed in America. The vaccine is registered in many countries around the world.
Vaccination protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 - the most oncogenic strains. This course includes three vaccinations. The second was done within two months. Four months later, a third.
Several studies have shown that the vaccine is almost 100% effective if the person was not infected with the virus before vaccination. Immunization is carried out in adolescents aged 10-12 years. Vaccination against HPV is a method of prevention, so it is done before the onset of sexual activity. Once infected, it is ineffective. The vaccine is also for adults, but not infected with HPV.