Human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus in women - what it is, where it comes from, how it is transmitted and why it is dangerous. Everything about HPV of high oncogenic risk in women. Its differences from viruses with medium and low risk of degeneration

From this article you will learn what papillomas are, where they are most often formed in men and women, and what is the reason for their formation. Papillomas are benign neoplasms localized on the skin and mucous membranes. The reason for their formation is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted in various ways. The appearance of the formations depends on the type of virus that caused them.

Transmission routes

All about HPV of high oncogenic risk in women. Its differences from viruses with medium and low risk of degeneration

HPV is one of the most common infectious diseases. According to available statistics, more than 80% of the population is infected with papillomavirus. At the same time, a third of infected people are not even aware of the disease, which can be asymptomatic for a long time.

There are several varieties of papillomavirus, many of which are manifested by certain symptoms, represented by the proliferation of papillomatous formations on the skin, and are also fraught with the development of complications of an oncological nature.

Types of HPV of high oncogenic risk in women

To date, about 80 types of HPV DNA have been studied in detail, the total number of which reaches hundreds. Many types do not pose a serious danger, but some types of papillomavirus can provoke the development of oncological pathologies in the female genitourinary system.

There are about thirty such highly oncogenic types that every woman risks encountering.

Classification of HPV by type of oncogenicity

50% human papillomavirus 16 (spelled HPV 16) 10% human papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18)

The phrase human papillomavirus or HPV occurs quite often and some people believe that infection with this microorganism causes only papillomas to appear on the body.

But not everything is so rosy; infection with HPV sometimes leads to the development of a rather serious disease - cancer. It is possible to guess how the infection will behave in the body, but only by knowing the type of papillomavirus.

Types of human papillomavirus

Research conducted over the past decades has made it possible to establish that HPV is transmitted only from one person to another, and this can be either a carrier of the infection or a patient with pronounced clinical signs of papillomatosis.

It has been established that papillomavirus is divided into types; there are more than one hundred of them. Depending on the type of virus that has entered the body, all external and internal changes will occur in the future.

The division of HPV into types has made it possible to develop treatment tactics for patients with microorganisms detected through testing.

Photos of different types of papillomas

Malignant diseases develop in patients for various reasons. One of the main unfavorable factors leading to cancer processes is HPV infection. The greatest danger comes from strains with a high carcinogenic risk.

HPV type 68: what is it?

This type is considered one of the most dangerous, as it is often detected when patients are diagnosed with genital cancer. You can become infected with HPV 68 through unprotected sex or using other people's objects.

How to recognize HPV types 68, 73? Is it possible and necessary to treat papillomavirus 68, 73?

1) PCR analysis. The main method for diagnosing papillomavirus is the PCR reaction. The most common types of analysis for HPV are virus types 16, 18, as well as a number of other highly oncogenic types.

In men - from the mucous membrane of the penis. The material for analysis is taken from the mucous membrane of the woman’s vagina and cervix. However, the PCR reaction can also give a false result, both a false positive and a false negative result. And this fact does not depend on the complexity of the equipment and the quality of the reagents.

2) Digene test. This test is used to determine the presence of clinically significant concentrations of the virus. Moreover, thanks to this test, it is possible to identify whether viruses have a high or low degree of oncogenicity. The Digene test is used in conjunction with a cytological examination of the cervix.

3) Examination by a gynecologist, urologist and dermatovenerologist if genital warts or other warts are detected in the groin area.

4) Cytological examination of a smear taken during a gynecological and urological examination.

5) Histological examination of a microscopic piece of tissue. The doctor evaluates the degree of change in the tissue taken for examination.

Human papillomavirus 53 in women, its dangers, methods of treatment

Required!1. Removal of manifestations - warts, condylomas, dysplasia (erosion) or cervical cancer.2. Taking antiviral drugs.3. Strengthening the immune system.

Self-medication can lead to progression!

1) RemovalRemoval of papillomas with laser

Removal by radio wave method

Liquid nitrogen removal

Removal with chemically aggressive liquids

2) Antiviral drugs 3) Drugs that enhance immunity

Remember: First, the doctor must make the correct diagnosis and only he can prescribe the correct treatment for you!

HPV prevention

Nature has come up with a wonderful healing and prevention mechanism for humans, which then helps him not to get sick again. This is the immune system.

If a person has already had warts or papillomas once, then he subsequently develops immunity to this type of virus. Therefore, adults very rarely develop juvenile warts, spinules and warts vulgaris. Therefore, it is SO IMPORTANT to maintain your immunity at a high level.

The main directions of prevention of human papillomavirus infection

But the effect of the vaccine has not yet been fully studied. It began to be staged only 8 years ago.

In addition, it does not form immunity to all highly oncogenic types of papillomaviruses.

To date, about 80 types of HPV DNA have been studied in detail., the total number of which reaches hundreds. Many types do not pose a serious danger, but some types of papillomavirus can provoke the development of oncological pathologies in the female genitourinary system.

There are about thirty such highly oncogenic types that every woman risks encountering.

Determination methods

It is possible to determine what type of papillomavirus is present in a woman’s body only through a complete diagnosis, but the types of the virus may also differ in external manifestations. Highly oncogenic types include the following types of HPV: 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73, 82, 83.

At the same time, the highest danger is attributed to HPV types 16 and 18, which most often cause the development of cervical cancer.

Attention! All highly oncogenic types are transmitted through sexual contact. Papillomatous formations can be found on the labia minora, in their inner part (vagina and cervix), as well as in the anal area, where genital warts are most often localized.

Highly oncogenic types of HPV differ in external manifestations, which are represented by the development of papillomas and genital warts on the genitals, which can subsequently provoke serious damage to the vulva, vagina, and cervix.

In other words, the listed types of pathogens manifest themselves primarily as genital warts, upon detection of which specialists must prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment, if necessary.

According to medical research, no more than 5% of patients experience pronounced changes in the cervix, represented by second and third degree dysplasia, 2-3 years after infection.

Such low rates are explained by the well-coordinated work of the immune system in most cases, which suppresses the activity of the pathogen. As for cervical cancer, this pathology is diagnosed in only 20% of women who have been diagnosed with grade 3 dysplasia.

What to do?

If highly oncogenic HPV is detected in the body, the disease cannot be treated independently., because rash actions can provoke the development of a precancerous condition. Treatment of external manifestations is aimed at their removal, taking antiviral drugs and immunomodulatory agents.

Removal of papillomas, warts and condylomas on the genitals is performed using surgical methods and the use of special pharmaceutical products, among which the most effective are: Panavir, Viferon, Condylom, Aldara.

Important! The destruction of growths must be supplemented with the use of Isoprinosine or other analogues with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

Outpatient removal of papillomas and condylomas in the genital area is performed by:

It should be noted that in most cases, when identifying papillomas of a highly oncogenic type, specialists give preference to removing formations with a laser and radio wave method (Surgitron device), because only this technique allows one to exclude relapse and cancerous transformation.

The use of folk remedies in the destruction of such formations is not recommended.

Varieties of human papillomavirus with average rates of degeneration

Reference! The following types of HPV differ in the average rates of cancerous degeneration: 26, 30, 35, 51, 52, 56, 58.65.

Despite the lower danger of these types of papillomavirus, it is still not recommended to leave its manifestations without proper attention.

Their signs

Based on external manifestations, the listed types of HPV with moderate oncogenic risk can be divided into the following categories:

  1. HPV 26– common warts;
  2. HPV 30– recurrent papillomatosis of the respiratory organs;
  3. HPV 35, 51, 52, 56 can provoke carcinoma localized to the cervix, vulva or vagina, as well as squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Often, the result of infection with HPV types with a moderate oncogenic risk is the development of several other complications not related to oncology. Thus, against the background of the presence of HPV 51 in the body, the development of bowenoid papulosis, which externally appears as small warts in the genital area, may begin.

Features of treatment

As is the case with any papillomatous growths, treatment of HPV manifestations with a moderate oncogenic risk involves a combination of destruction of papillomas and warts with strengthening the immune system and providing an antiviral effect from the inside.

In order to destroy papillomatous growths, you should use Superclean, Verrukacid, Viferon, Panavir, Solcoderm, Ferezol and other pharmacy analogues.

At home, you can get rid of papillomas with the help of freshly squeezed celandine juice, which can be used as a stand-alone medicine or in combination with other herbal ingredients, such as Kalanchoe, dandelion, horsetail, lemon balm, and plantain.

To avoid possible complications of self-medication, it is better to entrust the removal of papillomas to specialists, which in stationary conditions affect growths:

  • liquid nitrogen, which involves freezing papillomas (cryodestruction);
  • with a regular scalpel (surgical excision);
  • laser, which ensures painless removal and prevents the reappearance of formations;
  • radio waves.

Local treatment must be supplemented with antiviral drugs (Isoprinosin, Gosprinosin, Allokin Alpha), as well as pharmaceutical drugs with immunostimulating effects, among which it is recommended to give preference to Immunal, Reaferon and Estifan.

Types of pathogens with a low risk of developing cancer

Important! Low-oncogenic HPV types, which in extremely rare cases cause cancer, include: 6, 11, 14, 42, 44, 53, 54.

As medical practice shows, most often women are diagnosed with HPV 6 and 11.

Diagnostics

Like any other type of papillomavirus, the listed varieties with a low oncogenic risk can only be identified by the results of a comprehensive cytological study.

As for external manifestations, when examining a woman on a gynecological chair, a gynecologist can detect characteristic formations with pointed edges. The growths are localized mainly on the cervix and must be deleted.

Therapy

If the cause of the appearance of characteristic growths on the body is infection with low-oncogenic HPV type, Preference in treatment is most often given to medications, because the risk of cancerous degeneration of formations is incredibly low.

In this case, you can use Solcoderm, Solkovagin, Panavir, Cryopharma, Imiquad, Condil, Viferon and other effective analogues. And in this case, it remains mandatory to supplement local therapy with antiviral drugs (Panavir, Isoprinosine, Gosprinosine, Cycloferon, Genferon) and immunostimulating drugs (Galavit, Immunal, Likopid).

Reference! Low-oncogenic HPV types are not particularly dangerous.

In the treatment of their manifestations, folk remedies can be used, as well as various modern techniques for removing papillomatous growths on an outpatient basis, which have already been mentioned above.

But we must remember that any rash actions are a risk, since they can provoke a deterioration of the condition, therefore, when identifying warts, papillomas and condylomas, it is imperative to consult a specialist.

Here is a short video on this topic:

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a virus that causes changes in skin cells and mucous membranes such as warts and condylomas. Abbreviation: HPV (written in tests).

Over the past 50 years, more than 100 types of human papillomavirus have been discovered. Of which 80 species are pathogenic for humans.

The source of the virus is the altered cells of a sick person. At the same time, visually, a sick person may not yet have manifestations on the skin in the form of warts (or condylomas). Despite the fact that there are no visual manifestations and may be microscopic, such a person is contagious and can already transmit the virus to another person.
Previous infection occurs in childhood. On the skin, through abrasions and scratches, the virus enters the body and causes warts in children.

The development of genital warts in adults is caused by certain types of the HPV virus. Sexual transmission mechanism. The virus is transmitted from a sick person to his partner through microtraumas on the mucous membranes.
In most cases, the human immune system is able to overcome this virus itself. The mechanism of action is this: when the virus enters the human body, it encounters cells of the immune system on its way, which in most cases destroy the virus.

If the immune system fails, the virus penetrates the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes, then it integrates into the chromosomes of the cells and changes their functioning. As a result, cells begin to rapidly divide and grow in certain areas of the skin, forming warts or condylomas.

Remember:

  • types of HPV that cause the formation of warts enter the body in childhood through microdamages of the skin
  • types of HPV that cause the formation of condylomas enter the human body mainly through sexual contact

In some cases, human papillomavirus infection in the human body can lead to degeneration into cancer. All types of papillomaviruses are classified according to the degree of possible cancer development.

Classification of HPV by type of oncogenicity

1.Types of papillomavirus that never cause cancer HPV 1.2.3.4.5.10.28.49
2. Types of papillomavirus that have a low oncogenic risk (very rarely causing cancer) HPV 6.11.13.32.40.41.42.43.44.51.72
3. Types of papillomavirus that have an average oncogenic risk of HPV 26.30.35.52.53.56.58.65
4. Types of papillomavirus that have a high oncogenic risk (most often give degeneration) HPV 16.18.31.33.39.45.50.59.61.62.64.68.70.73 All are most common in women.

Percentage incidence of cervical cancer

In 1.73-90% of cases, HPV 16.18 and 45 are found
2. In 77-93% of cases, HPV 16.18.45.31.59 is found
3. In 80-94% of cases, HPV 16.18.45.31.33.59 is found

Also, HPV type 61.62.68.70.73 is combined in precancerous conditions in urology and gynecology.

The most common types of HPV

50% human papillomavirus 16 (spelled HPV 16)
10% human papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18)

Clinic and symptoms

At an early stage, the human immune system is strong enough to overcome the virus on its own at an early stage of development. Months and possibly decades later, people may experience symptoms of HPV infection.

A) WARTS: caused by HPV types – 1.2.3.4.5.10.28.49.
juvenile (or flat) warts - caused by types 3 and 5 of the virus. These are small flat elevations on the skin that occur mainly in children.

Spikes (or plantar warts) - caused by types 1 and 2 of the virus,
vulgar warts on the fingers - caused by type 2 viruses.

B) Laryngeal papillomatosis. Multiple growths-papillomas on the laryngeal ligament. Sometimes it appears in children born to women with genital warts. Caused by virus type 11.

C) Genital warts on the genitals, in the anus, in the oral cavity and on the lips (types - 6. 11. 13. 16. 18. 31. 35). The main mechanism of transmission in adults is sexual.

D) Bowenoid papulosis. Caused by types – 16. 18. 31. 33. 42. 48. 51. 54. It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners. Small, flat wart plaques (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals.

D) Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (or dysplasia) of the cervix and cervical cancer are more serious clinical manifestations of HPV infection in women. The most common manifestations of the malignant course of this infection.

Remember:
Cervical erosion and HPV are FAR from the same thing.
Modern medicine declares with 100% certainty that cervical cancer is caused exclusively by papillomavirus types 16. 18. 31. 33. 35. 39. 40. 42. 43. 55. 57. 59. 61. 62. 66. 67.

E) Bowen's disease - cancer of the skin of the penis. Caused by virus types 16 and 18.

G) Today, some foreign scientists believe that the human papillomavirus is the cause of cancer of any localization. Cancer is a malignant tumor of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membrane, therefore, the HPV virus, which causes dysplastic phenomena in the epithelium, causes the appearance of cancer. And with cervical cancer this has been proven 100%.

Remember:
Any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of these) is activated only when immunity decreases.

Diagnostics

1) PCR analysis. The main method for diagnosing papillomavirus is the PCR reaction. The most common types of analysis for HPV are virus types 16, 18, as well as a number of other highly oncogenic types.

In men - from the mucous membrane of the penis. Material for analysis is taken from the mucous membrane of the woman’s vagina and cervix.
However, the PCR reaction can also give a false result, both a false positive and a false negative result. And this fact does not depend on the complexity of the equipment and the quality of the reagents.

2) Digene test. This test is used to determine the presence of clinically significant concentrations of the virus. Moreover, thanks to this test, it is possible to identify whether viruses have a high or low degree of oncogenicity.
The Digene test is used in conjunction with a cytological examination of the cervix.

3) Examination by a gynecologist, urologist and dermatovenerologist if genital warts or other warts are detected in the groin area.

4) Cytological examination of a smear taken during a gynecological and urological examination.

5) Histological examination of a microscopic piece of tissue. The doctor evaluates the degree of change in the tissue taken for examination.

Treatment

Necessarily!
1. Removal of manifestations - warts, condylomas, dysplasia (erosion) or cervical cancer.
2. Taking antiviral drugs.
3. Strengthening the immune system.

Self-medication can lead to progression!

1) Removal
Laser removal of papillomas

Removal by radio wave method

Liquid nitrogen removal

Removal with chemically aggressive liquids

2) Antiviral drugs
3) Drugs that enhance immunity

Remember: First, the doctor must make the correct diagnosis and only he can prescribe the correct treatment for you!

HPV and pregnancy

If a human papillomavirus infection is detected during pregnancy:
the first thing is to find a gynecologist and be observed by him until the birth,
the most important thing is what manifestations a woman has, the doctor’s tactics will depend on this,
the virus has no effect on the fetus,
during childbirth, the baby can become infected while passing through the birth canal (although this is extremely rare),
if there are pronounced manifestations on the cervix of the pregnant woman, they may offer a caesarean section,
in the absence of manifestations - natural birth.

HPV prevention

Nature has come up with a wonderful healing and prevention mechanism for humans, which then helps him not to get sick again. This is the immune system.

If a person has already had warts or papillomas once, then he subsequently develops immunity to this type of virus. Therefore, juvenile warts, spinules and warts vulgaris very rarely appear in adults.
Therefore, it is SO IMPORTANT to maintain your immunity at a high level.

The main directions of prevention of human papillomavirus infection

Only one sexual partner
Using a condom during sexual intercourse
Personal hygiene measures in public places
A healthy lifestyle that maintains a high level of immunity
Correct work and rest schedule
Moderate physical training
Taking vitamins, fruits, juices
Vaccination against types 6, 11, 16, 18 – prevents the development of symptoms such as genital warts, neoplasia (dysplasia, or erosion) and cervical cancer, laryngeal papillomatosis. But the effect of the vaccine has not yet been fully studied. It began to be staged only 8 years ago. In addition, it does not form immunity to all highly oncogenic types of papillomaviruses.

Human papillomavirus in women - what it is, where it comes from, how it is transmitted and why it is dangerous

Human papillomavirus infection is a pathophysiological lesion that develops in the human body and provokes the appearance of both genital warts and warts in intimate areas.

Certain strains of the virus can cause more severe changes - the appearance of tumors.

Medical designation (according to ICD-10): numerical definition of the disease as an infection - B 97.7 and as the initiator of the occurrence of viral warts - B 07.

In English terminology, HPV is referred to as HPV.

In this article we will tell you what it is - human papillomavirus in women (HPV, papillomavirus), what the infection looks like in the photo, what are the causes, symptoms and signs, what is the treatment.

Causes and routes of infection

Where does the human papillomavirus come from in women, who can be a carrier of HPV and what is it?

The main way a woman becomes infected is through unprotected sex., which, as a method of infection, ensures the transmission primarily of strains leading to the appearance of genital warts.

However, transmission routes are not limited to sexual contact. How is HPV (human papillomavirus) transmitted in women? Risk factors:

  • violation of personal hygiene (using other people's towels, razors, scissors);
  • intrauterine development in the body of a mother affected by HPV;
  • visiting saunas, gyms and showers with improper sanitary treatment;
  • using poorly disinfected instruments;
  • wearing someone else's clothes.
  • The risk group includes representatives of the fair half of humanity taking contraceptive medications, as well as women who have suffered from sexually transmitted diseases.

    The danger lies in the simultaneous transmission of sexually transmitted infections - gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis - together with HPV, therefore With unprotected sex, complex infection of the body is possible.

    Under equal infection conditions Women who have a weakened immune system are more likely to be infected with HPV(chronic decline in immunity, acute respiratory infections, flu, stress, chronic fatigue).

    Human papillomavirus in women - causes and symptoms:

    Types and types of HPV: classification and list of strains of high oncogenicity

    Modern technologies have made it possible to identify more than 100 types of human HPV, which differ significantly in the degree of danger.

    The presence of highly oncogenic human papillomavirus (oncogenic HPV) increases the risk of developing cancer in women, especially the cervix.

    Certain varieties of HPV can remain in the human body throughout life and not provoke the emergence of dangerous conditions - such types are called strains of the non-oncogenic group.

    Completely non-oncogenic HPV types. 1, 2, 4, 5 are strains that do not lead to pathogenic changes in tissues and dermis.

    Low danger strains. Types 40–44, together with 3, 11, 13, 32, 34, 51,61, 72, 73 and 6, with good immunity, do not provoke degenerative changes, but with prolonged exposure to negative factors they sometimes lead to the appearance of malignant tumors.

    Intermediate risk HPV. 52, 53, 56, 58 and 30, 35, 45.

    HPV strains of high oncogenic risk in women. Cancer of the bladder, mammary glands, and cervix are the consequences of the influence of the most dangerous strains.

    There is also direct dependence on the location of the growths on the body and the type of infection: HPV type 7 leads to the appearance of warts on the butchers, HPV 1, 2, 4 - on the sole of the foot, HPV 13 and 32 - on the mucous membranes of the mouth, HPV 30, 11, 6 - on the pulmonary tract.

    Pointed neoplasms are formed when exposed to HPV types 11 and 6, 54 and 42.

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    Development algorithm: symptoms and signs, photos

    HPV infection occurs without the appearance of sharp signs of infection, as happens with sexually transmitted diseases.

    A sluggish process, not associated with manifestations of relapses, develops slowly until it manifests itself completely or is destroyed by the body.

    Incubation period of HPV in women. The asymptomatic development of HPV lasts mainly for about three months, during which the infection multiplies (virus replication occurs) and affects healthy tissue.

    Sometimes the latent stage can last only 16 days or reach a long period - up to 12 months.

    In 80–90% of cases, the immunity of young women under 25 years of age copes with the disease, eliminating the infection (natural elimination). In the remaining 10–20%, the virus is activated and enters the chronic stage.

    Activity stage. Signs of infection can be detected even with the naked eye - first of all, skin tumors appear and grow rapidly.

    A decline in immunity can lead to decreased energy and relapses of chronic diseases.

    Signs of HPV and differences from other neoplasms. After activation of the virus, vaginal lesions are often diagnosed, characterized by bacterial vaginosis and itching in the intimate area.

    How HPV (human papillomavirus) manifests itself in women: there is a burning sensation at the site of the papilloma, and a colorless liquid may flow out of it, causing inflammation.

    Neoplasms due to HPV infection:

    • exophytic condylomas. They include large genital warts and small ones, which are compared in appearance to “cauliflower”;
    • flat warts. Localized on the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina;
    • vestibular papillomatosis. It appears in the area of ​​the vestibule of the vagina, on which small but large numbers of papilloma-like growths grow.

    Papillomas should also be distinguished from moles by their structure, which usually do not contain blood vessels in their structure, but consist of melanocytes.

    However, exact confirmation of the identity of the formation on the skin is provided by a medical study - a biopsy.

    This manifestation of HPV, such as a sudden and intense formation of skin growths on the body, indicates a decline in immunity and the progression of HPV in women.

    Symptoms and signs of the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV, papillomavirus) in women on the body and face in the photo:

    Who to contact and how to identify papillomavirus

    How to detect HPV in women? If you are concerned about condylomas in the intimate area, you should consult a gynecologist, if - on other parts of the body, then see a dermatologist.

    In the absence of visible manifestations of the disease, you can visit a therapist who will refer you for tests to determine the types of HPV (after studying the results, adequate treatment is prescribed).

    If you want to remove tumors, then you need visit a surgeon.

    Strains are identified by several methods, including - PCR (a swab is taken from the woman’s urethra) and blood test.

    If changes in the cervix are suspected, material for examination is taken from this area and diagnosed using the Papanicolaou method.

    A cystological smear using scrapings of the skin or mucous membrane is not very informative, since it detects only large clusters of pathogens, while PCR detects even single viruses.

    The Digene test is considered the most advanced, which has the greatest sensitivity to identifying different strains. It allows you to most effectively diagnose viral DNA fragments in the cells and tissues of the body.

    Danger and consequences

    Why is human papillomavirus dangerous in women? Lack of treatment for HPV leads to to disfigurement of the skin, on which unaesthetic changes form, and the presence of oncogenic varieties provokes the occurrence of cancer.

    The most dangerous combination is considered identified combination of 16 and 18 HPV strains leading to rapid cell mutations. In these patients, prompt treatment is indicated to minimize potential harm.

    Treatment tactics and prognosis

    HPV cannot be completely removed from the body if infection has already occurred. The ultimate goal of HPV therapy is to increase immunity, as well as increase the production of antibodies against identified strains.

    In this way, the suppression of the virus will be carried out by the body independently.

    In the presence of warts and genital warts, their elimination is carried out only mechanically - laser burning, scalpel or cryodestruction.

    Antiviral drugs. This group of drugs includes an antiviral agent that allows the body to give a clear signal to begin producing antibodies against infection.

    dietary supplement. Medicines of the dietary supplement group: Indinol, Indole-3-Carbinol, Promisan, Wobenzym - are used in the presence of a virus of low oncogenicity or strains of a non-oncogenic group.

    Antibiotics. Medicines of this group are used only when HPV is combined with sexually transmitted infections for a period of no more than 30 days.

    Immunomodulators. Interferon, Immunal, Cycloferon, Viferon can not only suppress the reproduction of the virus, but also stop the growth of skin tumors.

    Herbs. Phytoproducts are among the auxiliary methods of boosting immunity.

    To activate the body's defenses, you should take echinacea, ginseng root, eleutherococcus or Rhodiola rosea (in the form of tinctures or herbal decoctions). Prescribed mainly in the spring and autumn periods.

    Vitamins. Infection leads to vitamin deficiency syndrome, so the presence of vitamin complexes - Vitrum, Complivit or Pikovit - in the diet of an HPV patient must be mandatory. Accepted for at least a month.

    Given the widespread damage to the vagina by condylomas, doctors simultaneously prescribe ointments to women suffering from human papillomavirus infection.

    Example - 5% Aldara cream, Epigen intimate spray. The latter option is used to spray the affected areas four times per day.

    The prognosis for treatment is favorable if the patient follows all the doctor’s recommendations, but he will have to pay attention to his health for the rest of his life.

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    Prevention measures

    Maintaining immunity is a fundamentally important way to prevent infection.

    The second most important condition includes limiting contact with infected people, third - maintaining hygiene when visiting the pool, bathhouse and other public places.

    Other effective ways to prevent infection:

    • use barrier methods of contraception when having sex with casual partners;
    • refuse to use other people's things and hygiene products;
    • exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle;
    • Periodically visit a therapist and get tested for HPV.

    Another well-known method of prevention is vaccination., however, the vaccine only helps protect against four types of HPV (16 and 18, 6 and 11).

    The most famous vaccine is the German Gardasil, which is supplemented by a separate variant called Gardasil 9, which also includes additional types of HPV (52 and 58, 33 and 45, 31).

    Cervarix (UK) is used only to affect strains of types 16 and 18.

    Human papillomavirus in women - treatment and prevention:

    Now you know where the human papillomavirus comes from and how it manifests itself in women, which HPVs are dangerous for women and how to identify them.

    HPV carries certain health risks, however, by choosing the proper therapy, the damage from the virus can be minimized.

    Particular attention is necessary if HPV types of high oncogenicity are identified. A virus that is in a latent form and does not lead to degenerative changes is not subject to serious treatment.

    Human papillomavirus. Information for patients.

    Human papillomavirus is a family of viruses that cause warts, papillomas, dysplasia or cancer of the cervix and genital organs in humans. This is the most common viral infection of the genital area.

    General family: Papillomaviridae. Latin name: Human Papillomavirus.
    Abbreviation: HPV or HPV (as written in tests).

    For doctors and students: the entire history of changes in the classifications of papillomaviruses on the website of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses - link.

    What kind of virus is this?

    1. Over 50 years, more than 100 types of human papillomavirus have been discovered. Pathogenic for humans - 80 types.
    2. According to WHO, 70% of the world's population is infected with HPV.
    3. HPV types 16 and 18 are more likely than other types to lead to cervical cancer.
    4. HPV is the overwhelming cause of genital cancer in women and men.
    5. It is not possible to cure HPV completely and forever. You can only temporarily suppress its development and prevent formations from appearing.
    6. The most effective prevention against cervical and genital cancer throughout the world is considered to be a vaccine against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of papillomaviruses.

    How does infection occur?

    The source of the virus is the skin cells of a sick person. Not blood! Not saliva! Only skin or mucous cells.

    If a patient has a papilloma, even a small one, it is the direct source of the virus!
    However, upon examination, the patient may not yet have a wart or condyloma. The changes may still be microscopic and not visible to the eye (subclinical stage of the disease). But such a person can already transmit the virus to another person.

    In adults, certain types of virus (discussed below) cause the development of anogenital warts, or genital warts, on the genitals (read about condylomas in more detail). The transmission mechanism of these types is predominantly sexual.
    But contact-household transmission is also theoretically possible - through general hygiene items, the toilet rim, taking a bath, visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, etc.
    Through microtraumas of the genital organs, the virus is transmitted from one sexual partner to another. In this case, the patient may also not have any changes visible to the eye. But there may be microscopic changes in the mucous membrane of the genital organs. And these altered cells are the sources of the virus.

    But if the immune system is weakened, the virus manages to penetrate the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes, HPV DNA is integrated into the chromosomes of the cells and changes the functioning of these cells. The cells begin to divide excessively and grow in a limited area, externally turning into warts and papillomas.

    Remember:

    The types of HPV that cause warts enter the body during childhood.

    The types of HPV that cause genital warts enter the body primarily through sexual contact.

    In rare cases, the development of human papillomavirus infection in the human body can lead to malignancy (that is, degeneration into cancer). Therefore, all types of papillomaviruses are classified according to the degree of oncogenicity (that is, according to the degree of possible cancer development).

    HPV types, oncogenic and non-oncogenic

    (according to studies by McConcl D. J., 1991; Lorincz A. T., 1992; Bosch E X. et al., 2002; Kozlova V. I., Puchner A. F., 2003; Syrjanen S., 2003; Shakhova N. M. et al., 2006;).

    1) Non-oncogenic HPV types, that is, never causing cancer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49

    2) Low-oncogenic HPV types (very rarely cause cancer): 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 72.

    3) Types of average oncogenic risk (average percentage of cancer degeneration): 26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65.

    4) Highly oncogenic HPV types (high risk of cancer degeneration): 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. This is especially important in women.

    By the way, sometimes the classification changes. For example, HPV type 58 in women is no longer highly oncogenic. It began to be classified as a type with average oncogenicity.

    Occurrence in diseases:

    • In 73-90% of cases of cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18 and 45
    • In 77-93% of cases with cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31 and 59
    • In 80-94% of cases of cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31, 33 and 59
    • Precancerous conditions in urology and gynecology are often combined with types 61, 62, 68, 70, 73 of HPV.

    The most frequently encountered in analyses:

    • human papillomavirus 16 (spelled HPV 16) - 50%
    • human papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18) - 10%

    HPV type 16

    • Found in 50% of HPV tests.
    • Causes the appearance of:
    • In women and men - anogenital warts (or genital warts), cancer of the oral mucosa.
    • In women: cervical cancer
    • In men: bowenoid papulosis and penile skin cancer.
    • Prevention: vaccination.

    HPV type 18

    • Occurs in 10% of HPV tests.
    • Causes the appearance of:
    • In women and men - genital warts, cancer of the oral mucosa.
    • In women: cervical cancer
    • In men: penile skin cancer and bowenoid papulosis.
    • Diagnostics: PCR analysis in specialized laboratories.
    • Treatment: treat the main manifestation of the viral infection + antiviral and immune drugs (read more about HPV treatment).
    • Prevention: vaccination.

    Symptoms and clinic

    Symptoms and manifestations of HPV infection are warts, papillomas and
    cervical dysplasia.

    A) Warts.
    They are caused by the following types of HPV - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49.

    • juvenile (or flat) warts - caused by types 3 and 5 of the virus. These are small flat elevations on the skin that occur mainly in children. This type of wart is described in detail here.
    • spinules (or plantar warts) - caused by types 1 and 2 of the virus (you can read more about them here).
    • vulgar warts on the fingers - caused by type 2 viruses (detailed article about them here).

    B) Genital warts.
    Localization: on the genitals, in the anus, in the oral cavity and on the lips (types - 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 35). Read more about these warts.

    The main mechanism of transmission of this disease in adults is sexual. Very rarely, a contact route of transmission can occur - through shared toilet items, through a dirty toilet rim, using a shared bathroom, in a bathhouse, etc.

    If a mother suffering from genital condylomatosis gives birth to a child, he will also become infected and subsequently may also develop genital warts or papillomatosis of the larynx and respiratory tract (discussed above). However, the frequency of such symptoms in infants is extremely low. Children have a fairly high level of immunity, which protects them from such manifestations of infection.

    G) Bowenoid papulosis.
    Small, flat wart plaques (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals. It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners. Called by types – 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.

    D) Cervical dysplasia.
    More serious clinical manifestations of HPV infection in women are cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (or dysplasia) of the cervix and cervical cancer (see photo). This is the most common type of malignant course of this infection. A more detailed article about CIN and dysplasia is here.

    Remember:

    Cervical erosion and HPV are FAR from the same thing. A detailed article about what cervical erosion is and how it differs from dysplasia and HPV is here.

    Modern medicine declares with 100% certainty that cervical cancer is caused exclusively by papillomavirus types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 66, 67.

    E) Skin cancer of the penis (Bowen's disease).
    Caused by virus types 16 and 18.

    G) Today, some foreign scientists believe that the human papillomavirus is the cause of cancer of any localization. Since cancer is a malignant tumor of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membrane, therefore, the HPV virus, which causes dysplastic phenomena in the epithelium, causes the appearance of cancer. And with cervical cancer this has been proven 100%.

    There is evidence for breast cancer and laryngeal cancer, although it has not yet been formalized into global recommendations. And, according to some cancer researchers, the day is not far off when cancer of other locations (for example, intestines) is also recognized as the result of the activity of the human papillomavirus in the human body.

    Remember:
    - any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of these) is activated only when immunity decreases.

    Diagnostics

    1) PCR analysis.
    The main method for diagnosing papillomavirus is the PCR reaction. Using special reagents, the presence of HPV DNA in material from a patient is determined. The most common types of analysis for HPV are virus types 16, 18, as well as a number of other highly oncogenic types.

    Material for analysis is taken from the mucous membrane of the woman’s vagina and cervix. In men - from the mucous membrane of the penis.

    Below in the photo is an example of a PCR analysis and its decoding.

    The PCR reaction can also give a false result, both a false positive and a false negative result, especially if the conditions for its implementation are violated (even a push of the table on which the study is being carried out can lead to such a false result).

    Thus, according to modern researchers in the West, up to 20% of all PCR results for papillomavirus were false. And this fact did not depend on the complexity of the equipment and the quality of the reagents.

    2) Digene test.
    New research gaining popularity in the medical community. This test is used to determine the presence of clinically significant concentrations of the virus. Thanks to this test, it is possible to identify whether the viruses in the patient’s body have a high or low degree of oncogenicity.

    The Digene test is used in conjunction with a cytological examination of the cervix, and they are also evaluated comprehensively.

    3) Examination by a gynecologist and/or urologist.

    4) Cytological examination.
    A smear taken during a gynecological examination is examined. This study is often called “liquid-based cytology”, or simply “cytology”.

    In this case, a laboratory doctor, under a microscope, determines the presence or absence of pathologically altered cells, which should not normally be present, but they appear only with the development of the disease. The presence of such altered cells may indicate the presence of CIN (or cervical dysplasia) in a woman.

    5) Histological examination.
    A microscopic piece of tissue is examined, also taken during a gynecological or urological examination. Another name for this test is “biopsy”. Under a microscope, the doctor evaluates the degree of change in the tissue taken for examination.

    All about HPV of high oncogenic risk in women. Its differences from viruses with medium and low risk of degeneration

    HPV is one of the most common infectious diseases. According to available statistics, more than 80% of the population is infected with papillomavirus. At the same time, a third of infected people are not even aware of the disease, which can be asymptomatic for a long time.

    There are several varieties of papillomavirus, many of which are manifested by certain symptoms, represented by the proliferation of papillomatous formations on the skin, and are also fraught with the development of complications of an oncological nature.

    Types of HPV of high oncogenic risk in women

    To date, about 80 types of HPV DNA have been studied in detail., the total number of which reaches hundreds. Many types do not pose a serious danger, but some types of papillomavirus can provoke the development of oncological pathologies in the female genitourinary system.

    There are about thirty such highly oncogenic types that every woman risks encountering.

    Determination methods

    It is possible to determine what type of papillomavirus is present in a woman’s body only through a complete diagnosis, but the types of the virus may also differ in external manifestations. Highly oncogenic types include the following types of HPV: 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73, 82, 83.

    At the same time, the highest danger is attributed to HPV types 16 and 18, which most often cause the development of cervical cancer.

    Highly oncogenic types of HPV differ in external manifestations, which are represented by the development of papillomas and genital warts on the genitals, which can subsequently provoke serious damage to the vulva, vagina, and cervix.

    In other words, the listed types of pathogens manifest themselves primarily as genital warts, upon detection of which specialists must prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment, if necessary.

    According to medical research, no more than 5% of patients experience pronounced changes in the cervix, represented by second and third degree dysplasia, 2-3 years after infection.

    Such low rates are explained by the well-coordinated work of the immune system in most cases, which suppresses the activity of the pathogen. As for cervical cancer, this pathology is diagnosed in only 20% of women who have been diagnosed with grade 3 dysplasia.

    What to do?

    If highly oncogenic HPV is detected in the body, the disease cannot be treated independently., because rash actions can provoke the development of a precancerous condition. Treatment of external manifestations is aimed at their removal, taking antiviral drugs and immunomodulatory agents.

    Removal of papillomas, warts and condylomas on the genitals is performed using surgical methods and the use of special pharmaceutical products, among which the most effective are: Panavir, Viferon, Condylom, Aldara.

    Outpatient removal of papillomas and condylomas in the genital area is performed by:


    It should be noted that in most cases, when identifying papillomas of a highly oncogenic type, specialists give preference to removing formations with a laser and radio wave method (Surgitron device), because only this technique allows one to exclude relapse and cancerous transformation.

    The use of folk remedies in the destruction of such formations is not recommended.

    Varieties of human papillomavirus with average rates of degeneration

    Despite the lower danger of these types of papillomavirus, it is still not recommended to leave its manifestations without proper attention.

    Their signs

    Based on external manifestations, the listed types of HPV with moderate oncogenic risk can be divided into the following categories:

    1. HPV 26– common warts;
    2. HPV 30– recurrent papillomatosis of the respiratory organs;
    3. HPV 35, 51, 52, 56 can provoke carcinoma localized to the cervix, vulva or vagina, as well as squamous intraepithelial lesions.

    Often, the result of infection with HPV types with a moderate oncogenic risk is the development of several other complications not related to oncology. Thus, against the background of the presence of HPV 51 in the body, the development of bowenoid papulosis, which externally appears as small warts in the genital area, may begin.

    Features of treatment

    As is the case with any papillomatous growths, treatment of HPV manifestations with a moderate oncogenic risk involves a combination of destruction of papillomas and warts with strengthening the immune system and providing an antiviral effect from the inside.

    In order to destroy papillomatous growths, you should use Superclean, Verrukacid, Viferon, Panavir, Solcoderm, Ferezol and other pharmacy analogues.

    At home, you can get rid of papillomas with the help of freshly squeezed celandine juice, which can be used as a stand-alone medicine or in combination with other herbal ingredients, such as Kalanchoe, dandelion, horsetail, lemon balm, and plantain.

    To avoid possible complications of self-medication, it is better to entrust the removal of papillomas to specialists, which in stationary conditions affect growths:

    • liquid nitrogen, which involves freezing papillomas (cryodestruction);
    • with a regular scalpel (surgical excision);
    • laser, which ensures painless removal and prevents the reappearance of formations;
    • radio waves.

    Local treatment must be supplemented with antiviral drugs (Isoprinosin, Gosprinosin, Allokin Alpha), as well as pharmaceutical drugs with immunostimulating effects, among which it is recommended to give preference to Immunal, Reaferon and Estifan.

    Types of pathogens with a low risk of developing cancer

    As medical practice shows, most often women are diagnosed with HPV 6 and 11.

    Diagnostics

    Like any other type of papillomavirus, the listed varieties with a low oncogenic risk can only be identified by the results of a comprehensive cytological study.

    As for external manifestations, when examining a woman on a gynecological chair, a gynecologist can detect characteristic formations with pointed edges. The growths are localized mainly on the cervix and must be deleted.

    Therapy

    If the cause of the appearance of characteristic growths on the body is infection with low-oncogenic HPV type, Preference in treatment is most often given to medications, because the risk of cancerous degeneration of formations is incredibly low.

    In this case, you can use Solcoderm, Solkovagin, Panavir, Cryopharma, Imiquad, Condil, Viferon and other effective analogues. And in this case, it remains mandatory to supplement local therapy with antiviral drugs (Panavir, Isoprinosine, Gosprinosine, Cycloferon, Genferon) and immunostimulating drugs (Galavit, Immunal, Likopid).

    In the treatment of their manifestations, folk remedies can be used, as well as various modern techniques for removing papillomatous growths on an outpatient basis, which have already been mentioned above.

    But we must remember that any rash actions are a risk, since they can provoke a deterioration of the condition, therefore, when identifying warts, papillomas and condylomas, it is imperative to consult a specialist.

    Here is a short video on this topic.

    I can’t say that I often discuss health issues with my friends. But it so happened that recently girls began to actively complain to me (maybe age has come, or is it recognition? Authority?), and now several times - about the human papillomavirus. “I’m so tired of being treated for him!” – one enchantress said with a sad look. And she continued her speech, the key points in which were the words “plague” and “tough”, and also “social factor”: “In general, why is all this not advertised here? Why does no one know about the problem? This the virus leads to cervical cancer, and HPV actually affects every second person. And many don’t even know that they need to take tests for it.” Another friend was interested in the vaccine: “Mom heard somewhere that with its help you can quickly recover, and it doesn’t give me peace - Nastya, say something!” Okay, I'll try.

    They helped us:

    Evgenia Markova
    Obstetrician-gynecologist at the Medicine Clinic; Ph.D.

    Nona Hovsepyan
    Gynecologist, consultant of the Independent Laboratory "INVITRO"

    What is HPV

    HPV is a group of viruses with more than 150 genotypes. Fortunately, not all of them are deadly. The worst ones are numbers 16 and 18 (highly oncogenic) - more than 70% of cases of cervical cancer (CC) are associated with them. The 6th and 11th are also not gifts, but they are considered low-oncogenic.

    Any type of HPV can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. But still, the main “channel” is intimate contact with an actively infected partner. The virus is considered almost the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. According to our expert, obstetrician-gynecologist Evgenia Markova, in almost 100% of cases, at the first contact the girl becomes infected with HPV(if the partner is a carrier).

    The only thing that can protect you is barrier contraception, but it is not omnipotent: the virus can also be transmitted from the skin of the genital organs. True, then he can disappear without a trace. Everything here, as usual, depends on your immunity: if it is good, your body is healthy and young, you won’t even know that you were on the verge of a foul. In other cases, persistence occurs (the virus remains in you), in which HPV is either not active (this is called “carriage”) or causes complications and clinical manifestations.

    Living with HPV

    This is not necessarily “tinny”. If HPV of a non-oncogenic or low-oncogenic type is detected and there are no clinical manifestations, no treatment is required - you just need to visit a gynecologist regularly. The virus does not mutate from one type to another - that’s not bad. The strategy is the same with oncogenic variants. Yes,
    in 95% of cases in which women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, they were diagnosed with HPV. But! Most people infected with the “high-risk” virus do not eventually develop the deadly disease.

    If you are dealing with an oncogenic thing, there are two options.

    • The first is in the absence of clinical manifestations and normal tests: just be observed 2 times a year by a gynecologist, no special treatment is required.
    • In the second, the doctor will act according to the circumstances. Clinical manifestations are endocervicitis (inflammation of the cervix), genital warts and papillomas of the genital organs, cervical erosion, cervical dysplasia (this is already a precancer) and other things. Then you may be prescribed local anti-inflammatory or antiviral therapy, as well as radio wave surgery, laser vaporization - excision of areas affected by HPV.

    By the way, as for papillomas and condylomas - let's say you have them - this is not at all a reason to sound the alarm. “The appearance of such formations on the skin is caused by HPV of the low-oncogenic type - 6 and 11,” reassures Evgenia Markova. – And in the presence of papillomas, HPV, by the way, is not always detected in tests. But the absence of them on the body, alas, is not a guarantee that the virus has bypassed the patient.” Small and single condylomas and papillomas can go away on their own. Multiple and large - require surgical intervention. “Especially if a girl is planning a pregnancy, condylomas run the risk of growing later to large sizes,” warns gynecologist Nona Hovsepyan.

    Dangerous!

    The incidence rate of cervical cancer in our country is 13.7 per
    100,000 people. And there is a tendency for it to grow – in particular, among young women under 29 years of age. If type 16 or 18 of the virus persists, the chances of developing precancer and cervical cancer are quite high. And they increase if the carrier of the virus smokes, with concomitant urogenital infection (herpes, chlamydia, etc.), promiscuity and frequent changes of partners, decreased immunity (the presence of various chronic diseases), with early infection with HPV (before the age of 17 years) .

    How to get tested for HPV

    If you've read this far, we may be dealing with panic. So what should we do now? Visit your doctor at least once a year. " HPV can be detected in a cervical smear(PCR research). In order to detect clinical signs of the virus, cytological screening is recommended to all patients once a year: an oncocytological smear from the cervix (PAP test) plus colposcopy - examination of the cervix using a microscope,” says Evgenia Markova.

    Nona Hovsepyan adds that the modern PAP test is liquid cytology (if it’s available to you, use it - it’s the best option). “Unfortunately, there are still clinics where such studies are not carried out. Or they only offer it to women over forty,” Nona laments. “But the disease is getting younger, so I would strongly recommend these tests to everyone.”

    HPV vaccine

    The main thing that is important to know about it is that the vaccine does not have a therapeutic effect, this measure is preventive. So, if the virus is already in you, the vaccine will not help. You can get it done at the age of 9 to 26 years, if you are not infected with HPV. “In practice, gynecologists recommend vaccination from the age of 12–13 in girls who are not sexually active,” adds Evgenia Markova. Vaccination will help develop antibodies against the same viruses of types 16, 18, 6 and 11.

    Statistics say that the effectiveness of vaccines (there are two on the market - Gardasil and Cervarix) is as much as 95-100%. True, the effect will last 6-7 years, hardly more. Why then is there such a fuss around them? “When vaccines first appeared, some private clinics took advantage of the opportunity to offer them as a treatment. Of course, there is no harm from the procedures, but there is no effect, even if HPV is present,” explains Nona Hovsepyan.

    What else: some time ago there was talk about introducing the vaccine into the national vaccination calendar. Alas, this did not happen. For now, you can only get vaccinated privately; if you wish, you can buy the vaccine with a doctor’s prescription and administer it in a clinic or private hospital. Every year there are more and more people interested - which is good, because vaccination can prevent up to 80% of cases of cervical cancer.

    HPV in men

    Without further ado, here are the statistics given by Evgenia Markova, just in case: “Anal cancer is 73% associated with HPV types 16, 18 (in both women and men), oropharyngeal cancer - in 36% with HPV type 16, oral cancer - 24% with HPV also type 16. Genital condylomas and papillomas of the larynx and respiratory tract are 99% associated with HPV types 6, 11. In 47% of cases, the main cause of cancer of the glans penis is HPV types 16 and 18.”

    Human papillomavirus is one of the most common infectious diseases that occur in humans. In terms of the number of people affected, it is second only to cold viruses.

    The virus enters the skin and mucous membranes through damage, even the smallest, especially on the hands, but does not enter the blood. Warts or papillomas are the only symptom of this disease.

    There are about 120 varieties of the virus, all of them manifest themselves differently: the location on the body and the appearance of the formations differ.

    For example, plantar warts, which occur only on the foot and toes, are caused by only five types of HPV: 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57.

    Anogenital warts or genital warts are caused only by virus types 6, 11, 13, 16 and 18. The surface of these formations is similar to a head of cauliflower.

    Such a wart cannot be found on the hands or feet, since they are not found anywhere else except the anus and genitals.

    In 1999, the human papillomavirus shook the whole world. A certain Dr. Wolbumers studied about a thousand women with cervical cancer and found that almost all of them (99.8%) were infected with HPV.

    A little later, a connection was discovered between other types of cancer and papillomatosis.

    The planet was gripped by mass psychosis - people, having learned about their HPV infection, already considered themselves terminally ill.

    Subsequent studies in this area found that the percentage of people with cancer and HPV in the same vial was slightly lower than according to Wolbumers.

    It also turned out that of the almost 130 types of the virus, not all are cancer-hazardous. Moreover, the types of virus that are associated with oncology have different strains, of which only a small part is capable of causing malignant processes.

    When a terrible diagnosis looms on the horizon, and the doctor operates in terms of “the second most common type of cancer in women,” you involuntarily want to give away your last money just to increase your chances of survival.

    At the same time, doctors do not always tell that treatment with antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs, cauterization and surgical removal of warts does not guarantee a cure and can lead to the opposite consequences.

    The best way to overcome fear and choose the necessary treatment is to understand what viral warts are.

    “Adult” and “children’s” warts

    So, warts are contagious, they are transmitted from a person who has them to a healthy person through lesions on the hands, feet, fingers and other areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

    Viral warts occur only in children and adults. In older people, growths caused by HPV do not occur, and senile papillomas have nothing to do with viruses.

    “Adult” warts are transmitted primarily through sexual contact and appear in the genital area.

    They never appear on the hands or fingers. 70% of sexually active young people, especially those who do not seek a regular sexual partner, are repeatedly infected with HPV during their lifetime.

    However, only four women in every 100 thousand get cervical cancer.

    This does not mean that you should not pay attention to HPV of cancer-dangerous types, but there is also no reason to consider yourself a cancer patient within five minutes.

    Any risk factors, especially if there are several of them, are a reason to be additionally observed by a doctor and monitor your health more carefully.

    Most warts are completely harmless. These are “childish” formations that dot the arms, legs, and are found on the foot, face and toes. The reasons why they are more common in children are simple.

    Firstly, children are larger, closer and more often in contact with each other. Secondly, children have not yet developed hygiene skills; they touch their faces more often, bite their nails and sweat.

    Touching is an important way to explore the world, so it is on the hands that children most often develop warts, and from there they spread further throughout the body.

    The papilloma virus is quite viable and feels good outside the host’s body for several months.

    At this time, a child can become infected by touching a door handle, a towel that an infected child used to dry himself in kindergarten, or a handrail on a playground or play center.

    Walking barefoot in public places, a child can pick up a wart on the foot or toe. All this makes children vulnerable to HPV and the warts it causes.

    Sometimes it is the parents themselves who put their children in danger. For example, when a child is wrapped up too much, which makes him sweat more. It has been noticed that growths appear more often on constantly moist areas of the skin.

    In addition, excess heat suppresses the body's defense mechanisms, making it vulnerable to a wide variety of viruses, including HPV.

    The human immune system is capable of successfully defeating most viruses, and HPV is no exception.

    The only difference between immune protection against influenza and against HPV is that the body needs more time. Within a few months, to a maximum of two years, warts in children disappear without a trace, even if no treatment was carried out.

    To treat or not to treat – that is the question

    In most cases, treatment for warts, especially in children, is not required. Growths on the foot, finger or toe, on the face and other parts of the body go away on their own as soon as the body copes with the virus.

    However, in some cases treatment is necessary:

    • if warts grow rapidly, forming entire groups, then this is evidence that the immune system is not coping and needs help;
    • if a harmless formation on a finger, toe or face is constantly damaged, especially in children;
    • if the wart causes pain, for example, a plantar “callus” on the foot or toe;
    • if the papilloma looks unaesthetic and repulsive, causing moral suffering.

    In all these cases, wart removal in children and adults is advisable.

    If there are no aggravating circumstances, then treatment can be carried out at home, but before this it is important to obtain confirmation from a doctor that the formation on the skin is benign in nature.

    Removing papillomas on the hands is the simplest thing. Firstly, because the skin on the hands is not as delicate as on the face, and it is not so easy to damage.

    Secondly, even if the treatment leaves scars, they will not be as noticeable on the hands as on the face.

    Third, treating foot or toe warts can be painful and limit your ability to move even more than the plantar callus itself.

    When choosing a method, you should evaluate various factors. If it is necessary to remove a wart on the face, then you cannot use such powerful drugs as Supercelandine, due to the risk of scarring the skin.

    All over the world, wart removal is performed with acid-based preparations, for example, salicylic acid. Treatment lasts for a month until the wart disappears.

    The skin on the finger or foot must be soaked in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, wipe thoroughly and carefully apply ointment, patch or alcoholic acid solution to the wart. The procedure should be repeated daily, removing dead skin before each procedure.

    In a similar way, warts are removed using celandine, but its juice is active only during the flowering period of the plant (from May to July, depending on the region).

    Some people have success using garlic for this purpose by applying it to the wart twice a day.

    If removing warts using improvised means is not successful, and the warts continue to bother you or change their appearance (color, shape, size, bleeding ulcers appear on them), you should not look for additional reasons to consult a doctor.

    Depending on the location of the growth and other additional conditions, an experienced dermatologist will choose a way to remove the body of the wart without damaging your body.

    For facial skin, exposure to radio waves or laser resurfacing is best; on less delicate areas of the body, official medicine uses chemical cauterization, freezing with liquid nitrogen, and even a scalpel.

    The latter, however, is used less and less, and then only as the cheapest method.