Human papillomavirus is widespread. Seventy out of a hundred people are carriers of the infection, as a result of which neoplasms appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Often the virus affects the intimate areas. While the body manages to cope successfully thanks to a strong immune system, many do not even suspect the presence of an infection. However, with a weakened state of the body, the papillomavirus infection passes from a latent to an active state. Some strains contribute to the development of cancer. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of papillomavirus, it is necessary to consult a doctor. A neglected infection requires the use of destructive methods and serious medical attention.
What is HPV?
If antibodies to HPV are found in the blood, the doctor will explain what it is. The abbreviation stands for human papillomavirus, another name is human papillomavirus infection. The English name is Human papillomavirus, abbreviated to HPV.
This is an infectious disease transmitted by contact. Human papillomaviruses are divided into 27 species and more than 120 strains (or types), among which are strains of high, medium, low risk of oncogenicity and non-oncogenic types.
What does HPV look like? A person develops skin neoplasms: warts, papillomas, condylomas. This is due to the fact that the DNA of the virus is integrated into the DNA of the damaged cell, changing its functions. The process of division is accelerated, growths characteristic of infection are formed, supplied with blood vessels.
The nature and location of the growths depend on the type of virus that entered the body and the sites of damage. Benign neoplasms appear everywhere: in the mouth, nasopharynx, face, neck, armpits, internal and external organs of the genitourinary system. It is also possible to become infected when shaking hands with an infection carrier, especially if the skin is damaged.
In case of infection after sexual contact, the patient may not visually detect neoplasms, however, itching, burning and discomfort are also observed in the area of the internal genital organs or rectum, mucus or spots. Such symptoms are typical when papillomas appear on the surface of the 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 be infected. But even with loyalty to a person, if they are a carrier of HPV, there will be constant interinfection.
There are other reasons for the appearance of the papillomavirus. The infection is also transmitted through the home. Viral agents can remain for a long time on wet surfaces in public places, such as swimming pools, saunas, baths, from where they reach the epithelium. And in the presence of microtrauma, they are able to penetrate into the basal layers of the skin.
This viral disease is passed on to the baby during childbirth from an HPV-infected mother. The possibility of self-infection during shaving and epilation is not excluded.
Virus activation factors
Papillomavirus infection occurs in the form of growths in more than 3/5 of the adult population. Observations show that 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 weakening of the immune system, as a result of which the body is unable to fight the virus.
Factors that reduce immune forces include:
- bad habits (alcohol, nicotine, drugs);
- exhaustion due to overwork, stress, malnutrition;
- long-term use of some drugs;
- hormonal changes, including during pregnancy.
What is dangerous papillomavirus
At the beginning of the development of the disease, many do not take adequate measures, not realizing the seriousness of the situation, justify themselves for lack of time and postpone the visit to the doctor "for later". The consequences are coming. The virus continues to infect cells, growths increase in size, capture a large area of the skin, in some cases degenerate into oncology. A person begins to be treated when health problems become evident, but by then the situation is already very neglected. And all this time it is contagious.
How dangerous is the human papillomavirus, 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, infection with other sexually transmitted diseases occurs simultaneously with HPV.
cancer risk
Papillomavirus infection is not a death sentence. There are non-oncogenic and oncogenic types of human papillomavirus. There are groups of 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 , 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 72, 73) cancer risk. Furthermore, among the highly oncogenic strains, it is HPV-16 that causes cervical cancer in 50% of cases. Therefore, if the disease is detected, first of all tests are carried out to determine the strain of the virus.
Impact on pregnancy
Women in a position diagnosed with a papillomavirus infection are concerned about whether HPV is dangerous for a baby. The virus is unable to penetrate the amniotic fluid and placenta, so it does not pose any danger to the development of the fetus.
However, during childbirth, the presence of papillomas in the birth canal will cause some complications:
- Injury to the growths can lead to severe bleeding and reinfection of the mother's body.
- By direct contact with papillomas, a baby becomes infected, which subsequently will lead to growths in the baby in the mouth, larynx or vulva.
Therefore, as a precautionary measure, couples planning pregnancy are advised to get tested for HPV.
Symptoms of the papillomavirus and types of rashes
The appearance of warts, papillomas or condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes are external signs of the human papillomavirus.
A wart is a hard, dry skin growth that looks like a lump the size of a pinhead or larger. Most often it is located in the area of the palms and soles of the feet. The so-called plantar warts appear in the places where the shoes rub the skin, especially with excessive sweating. Not all cases are associated with HPV infection.
Papillomas (from the Latin papillo - "nipple") are benign tumors on the skin in the form of a papilla. Formed on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nasopharynx, bladder. This is a soft training on the leg. The color varies from white to brown, but usually the papilloma is the color of the surrounding tissues. Growth is single, sometimes a whole "colony" grows, similar to a cockscomb or cauliflower.
Condylomas are a type of papillomas, divided into flat and genital warts, observed mainly on the genitals, around the anus, on the oral mucosa. Also, in women, the virus usually occurs on the reproductive organs, but anal condylomatosis often develops in men. The appearance of papillomas or warts are clear signs of papillomavirus.
Symptoms of human papillomavirus are associated with the appearance of neoplasms and appear within two to three months of infection. If you find them, we recommend that you consult a doctor immediately.
Flat papillomas usually occur during adolescence. They do not differ in color from the skin, they form small groups.
In the case of the formation of growths on the surface of the internal organs, there are unpleasant sensations of a foreign body, burning and itching, secretion of blood or ichor.
Diagnostic methods
When warts, papillomas or condylomas appear, first of all you should consult a doctor for a clinical examination. Depending on the location of the growths, it will be a dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist or proctologist. If the presence of the human papillomavirus is confirmed, an immunologist will take part in the treatment process.
Women with cervical cancer (on the cervix) must undergo colposcopy and biopsy to determine the presence of HPV infection. During colposcopy, a test is performed using clinical markers: acetic acid or Lugol's solution. Irregular absorption of the solution by the epithelium helps to recognize the human papillomavirus.
Smears are taken for cytological examination, through which it is possible to detect atypical cells - reborn under the influence of the virus and histological examination. At the same time, a Digene test for oncogenicity is performed.
An important role in the diagnosis of HPV is played by the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction), thanks to which it is possible to identify the type of virus.
A blood test is needed to detect other sexually transmitted infections.
How to treat human papillomavirus infection
How to cure human papillomavirus in the active phase and, moreover, is it possible to completely cure papillomavirus? Means have not yet been developed to ensure absolute liberation from human papillomavirus infection.
The question arises whether it is necessary to treat HPV and whether it makes sense. Yes, it is necessary. If the human papillomavirus is left untreated, it will infect other cells, contributing to the growth of neoplasms. Here is an example of an HPV treatment regimen:
- unwanted growths are removed;
- antiviral drugs, drugs that strengthen the immune system, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed.
Antivirals
Treatment of papillomavirus infection begins with eliminating the cause of the disease. First of all, a drug is prescribed that does not kill the microbe and does not allow the further spread of the human papillomavirus throughout the body.
Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after determining the strain of the virus, 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 block the synthesis of viral DNA.
Immunomodulators
Treatment of papillomavirus infection with the help of immunomodulators serves to strengthen the immune system, since the body's resistance to viruses depends on it. An immunogram helps 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, interferons, the proteins that cells secrete in response to the virus attack, must enter the battlefield. If the body cannot produce them in the right amount, interferon preparations or interferon inducers are prescribed, substances that stimulate the production of their own interferons.
There are drugs that have both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
Destructive Methods
Treatment of papillomavirus with external manifestations must be treated by destructive methods, that is, the papilloma must be removed, since it is the focus of a viral infection. There are various methods for this:
- the laser is used to evaporate superficial growths, leaving practically no traces;
- the method of cryodestruction is used to freeze papillomas;
- the electric knife burns the tumor;
- surgery is done in case of severe overgrowth or suspected cancer.
However, the treatment of papillomavirus does not end there. An integrated pharmacological approach is needed to fight infections.
Application of local funds
How is human papillomavirus treated with local remedies? Although this approach has not proved very effective, as it is impossible to remove the human papillomavirus from the body in this way, papillomas are still treated with cauterizing and mummifying drugs.
For topical use, ointments, gels, sprays and suppositories with antiviral and anti-inflammatory action are used. The best option will help you choose the attending physician.
How effective is the treatment
Is it possible to cure HPV forever and in general is HPV treated or not? So far, no tools have been developed to help get rid of the papillomavirus forever. The essence of treatment is to stop the development of pathology, save a person from neoplasms that interfere with normal life and prevent relapses as much as possible, since the papilloma virus remains in the body.
Experts say that in some cases, patients managed to completely defeat the infection. This result is influenced by many individual factors, including the general condition of the body.
Prevention of papillomavirus infection
Protecting yourself from HPV infection is each person's personal responsibility.
First of all, it is important to have a sexual partner. Using condoms when in contact with a carrier of the virus is often not enough. Studies have shown the relationship between frequent partner changes, HPV disease and the development of cervical cancer in women. If an infection is found, both sexual partners should be examined and treated to avoid reinfection.
A healthy and conscious lifestyle will contribute to the overall strengthening of the body, which will help cope with the virus.
Vaccination
Papillomavirus infection, ease of transmission and spread, high risk of oncogenicity - all this seriously worries doctors. In 2006, a vaccine against human papillomavirus 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. The course includes three vaccinations. The second is done in two months. Four months later, a third.
Numerous studies have shown that the vaccine is nearly 100% effective if the person was not infected with the virus prior to vaccination. Immunization is done among adolescents between the ages of 10 and 12. HPV vaccination is a method of prevention, so it is carried out before the onset of sexual activity. Once infected, it is ineffective. Also vaccinate adults, but not infected with HPV.