Human papillomavirus is an oncogenic disease. The main manifestations of HPV are the formation of warts, papillomas and condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes. Both women and men are affected by the virus.
Causes of the appearance and activation of HPV
Note! The main reason for the appearance of the papillomavirus in the body is the infection of an infected person.
Factors that cause infection include:
- weakened immunity;
- bad habits;
- frequent and severe nervous shocks;
- viral infections;
- pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
- frequent change of sexual partners, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Can the human papillomavirus be cured?
HPV in the active stage of development is treatable.
The main goal of treatment is to eliminate symptoms and strengthen the protective mechanism of the human body.
Depending on the type of virus, symptoms, and complications, different treatments may be used.
Can HPV be permanently cured?
One feature of HPV is that when it enters the body, it settles in it forever. During periods when the body has a strong defense mechanism and is not exposed to the above risk factors, the virus is in a calm state and does not become active.
With a decrease in the immune system, non-compliance with hygiene rules, deterioration of health, the papillomavirus can be reactivated.
Methods of infection with papillomavirus.
HPV virus infection occurs by direct contact with an infected person, through the mucous membranes and skin. There are several routes of infection:
- The main form is sexual contact. The probability of transmission of the papillomavirus from an infected partner during unprotected sexual intercourse is 60-70%. The risk increases significantly with frequent partner changes. In the presence of microtraumas on the mucous membranes, infection is possible even during kissing or oral sex;
- HPV infection also occurs at home: by using the same towels, dishes and hygiene products with an infected person. There is a risk of contracting papillomavirus in public saunas, baths and swimming pools;
- Vertical transmission of the virus from mother to fetus during childbirth is also possible.
Why is the human papillomavirus dangerous?
All varieties of HPV can be conditionally divided into two categories: viruses with low and high oncogenic risk. Groups of the second category are capable of developing into an oncological disease.
Note! HPV poses the greatest risk to women: highly oncogenic strains of the virus are the most predisposed.
In women, the papillomavirus can cause a number of diseases associated with the reproductive system:
- pathology of the cervix: erosion, leukoplakia, adenocarcinoma, cancerous tumors;
- oncology of the external genitalia, anal area.
Also, the development of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of warts and papillomas on the genitals, limbs, armpits and neck. Neoplasms cause discomfort, interfere with hygiene and the conduct of a usual lifestyle, so they must be removed.
In men, the risk of developing cancer with HPV is lower, but not excluded. Also, acute-angled papillomas can form on the penis, causing discomfort and interfering with normal sexual activity. Such neoplasms must be removed immediately.
Diagnostic methods
Identification of the disease usually begins with a visual examination by a doctor. During the examination, the mucous membranes, skin integuments are studied, especially carefully, it is necessary to examine the areas in which warts and papillomas most often form: the genital area, armpits, neck.
The main methods for diagnosing HPV include the following:
- Women should definitely undergo a colposcopy, an examination of the cervix and vagina, and also pass cytology tests (scraping of the mucous membranes). If oncology is suspected, a biopsy may be additionally prescribed;
- PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction). Allows you to identify virus DNA from any material provided for analysis;
- The Digene test is a more accurate test. Based on its results, papillomavirus can be detected, its type can be recognized by DNA, and the degree of malignancy can be determined.
General Treatment Regimen for HPV
Currently, there are no unified international protocols for the treatment of human papillomavirus. Two-component treatment regimens showed themselves better: they combine the removal of viral lesions by surgical methods and the simultaneous passage of special antiviral therapy. The effectiveness of this approach to the treatment of HPV is up to 90%.
Features of treatment in children
When HPV is activated in a child, doctors first of all resort to conservative methods of therapy - the appointment of immunomodulators and vitamins, as well as local treatment of rashes with ointments, compresses.
Surgical intervention is usually resorted to only in those cases when, during observation, the growth of warts and papillomas is observed.
Features of treatment during pregnancy
Note! HPV during the period of bearing a child does not have a pronounced negative effect on its development and the course of pregnancy in general.
The main recommendations for the treatment of papillomavirus during pregnancy:
- If the virus is detected before pregnancy, you should be treated without delay. This will normalize immunity and prevent candidiasis and other infections;
- It is desirable to plan the onset of pregnancy at the end of the second cycle after completion of treatment;
- The course of HPV treatment during pregnancy should not start earlier than the 28th week of pregnancy, the period when all the organs in the child are formed. This will help avoid the negative effects of medications on the child's body.
papilloma virus treatment
The main treatments for HPV are:
- take specific antiviral drugs;
- a course of immunomodulators;
- removal of neoplasms (papillomas, warts) surgically;
- reduce the symptoms of the disease through traditional medicine.
antiviral therapy
Important! The selection of drugs depends on the type of virus and the characteristics of the organism. Only a doctor can prescribe a course of therapy and dosage of drugs, self-medication can aggravate the situation.
Immunomodulatory drugs
The appointment of immunomodulators should be made by a doctor according to the patient's immunogram; this will achieve a faster and more stable result.
Surgical approach (removal of growth)
The main goal of HPV surgery is to remove cells from the body that have been changed by the virus.
Removal can be performed in several ways, depending on the characteristics of the disease and the doctor's instructions:
- Electrocoagulation. Depending on the HPV group, treatment effectiveness ranges from 80% to 95%;
- Laser rash removal. High efficiency, but there is a high probability of relapse. Also, wounds after the procedure heal for a long time - up to 4 weeks;
- radio wave surgery. It is used to remove individual formations;
- Cryotherapy. Efficiency - up to 65%, relapse occurs in 40-50% of cases;
- chemodestructive agents. Applicable only for rashes in the genital area. Relatively low efficiency - no more than 40%.
Home remedies
Note! Alternative medicine means should not be considered as a complete method of treating HPV. However, they are an affordable and harmless way to weaken the active manifestation of the virus.
The most effective for papillomavirus are such folk remedies: fresh potato juice, highly prepared string, a mixture of garlic and vinegar, Kalanchoe leaves, tea tree oil.
They should be used in the form of compresses, dressings for external manifestations of HPV - papillomas, warts.
Prevention of HPV recurrence
The main goals of preventing the recurrence of warts and papillomas are to strengthen immunity and maintain hygiene at home and in public places. Recommended:
- adhere to the correct diet;
- undergo vitamin therapy;
- observe a normal mode of work, get enough sleep and completely relax;
- increase physical activity.
Important! Vaccination is an effective method of preventing HPV reactivation: it can be used to protect against the most dangerous groups of the virus for a long period of time.