Which ointment for papillomas is the most effective and causes the least side effects?

Ointment from papillomas is a local drug that has an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect. Some ointments for benign neoplasms have an unfavorable side effect profile. The effectiveness of drug therapy depends on the correct choice of drug.

ointment for papillomas

General pathology information

Genital papillomas are benign neoplasms caused by viral diseases of various etiologies. Often, genital warts do not hurt. In a third of victims, they disappear after a few months.

Sometimes small bumps can itch, bleed, and hurt during sex. Victims feel disadvantaged in their sex life. Many also view their genital warts as a cosmetic problem. They are ashamed and want to get rid of it as soon as possible.

There are many ways to treat skin lesions. The treatment depends on the part of the body where the genital warts are. Another concern is whether there are other sexually transmitted diseases such as fungal infections, genital herpes, HIV or chlamydia.

In case of growth of the mucous membrane of the vagina or opening of the urethra, for example, treatment with trichloroacetic acid can kill the warts. However, on flat warts, the doctor usually resorts to surgical procedures.

No method guarantees that genital warts (Condylomata acuminata) will disappear forever. Because the immune system doesn't always completely eliminate the human papillomavirus that causes genital warts, STDs often come back.

A doctor will usually recognize genital warts with the naked eye. He will check the anus and genital area for changes in the skin and may take a tissue sample, which he then examines under a microscope. Genital warts inside the body, such as in the rectum, on the vaginal lining, or in the urethra, are more difficult to detect. Often a special examination is required - an examination of the vagina, rectum or urethra.

Once the genital warts are identified, the surgeon can either surgically remove the growths or freeze them with liquid nitrogen. Sometimes special creams and ointments are used. In rarer cases, when genital warts develop on the tongue or around the eyes, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or eye doctor can help.

The main features of preparations for papillomas

Salicylic acid preparations, which due to their keratolytic effect reduce the mass of warts and sometimes also lead to healing with continued use, are among the most common anti-wart preparations. Salicylic acid destroys the intercellular cohesion of horny cells and thus dissolves hyperkeratosis.

Salicylates can be widely absorbed through the skin and cause poisoning. Therefore, during pregnancy, infants and toddlers, as well as in case of renal insufficiency, long-term treatment on large surfaces should be avoided. In addition, it avoids contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Medicines should not be applied to the genital area and face. Because medications vary widely in salicylic acid concentration

To interrupt cell division, cytostatics are used topically in the treatment of warts. By inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, cytostatics prevent cell proliferation and therefore the spread of the virus.

Immunomodulators are approved for the treatment of external genital warts and perianal warts in adults.

Tool Selection Criteria

Benign growths usually regress when the immune system manages to kill the viruses in the skin. However, if the warts are bothersome, the following treatment options may be considered:

  • medications;
  • cryotherapy;
  • surgical removal.

To protect against infection with human papillomaviruses, attention should be paid to hygienic measures - disinfection of hands and feet, for example, in swimming pools. Vaccines have been available against papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18 since 2006. Besides cervical cancer, papillomaviruses also cause external genital warts and vulvar skin lesions.

To reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, the Permanent Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccinating girls before their first sexual intercourse (9-14 years) in the recommendation of2018 vaccination. There is also scientific evidence that vaccinating pubescent boys, who are common carriers of the virus, can help control the spread of cervical cancer.

There are other ointments (for example, oxolinic), the clinical effectiveness of which has not been proven.

Salicylic ointment for papillomas is rarely used at present, as it has a significant number of side effects. Several topical therapies are available for the treatment of external genital warts (Condylomata acuminata), and their effectiveness is difficult to assess because study success rates of individual procedures vary widely. Not everything can prevent frequent relapses and cause significant local discomfort. There is no standard treatment.

Clinical trials are not available to compare with other treatment options. Due to insufficient documentation, high spontaneous recovery and significant side effects, the use of tea extract is not advised.

Locally acting antipapilloma drugs

Genital warts are caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses, most often types 6 and 11. On the one hand, they can heal spontaneously, on the other hand, they overwhelm patients and very rarely degenerate into malignant tumors.

It is not recommended to take and apply means without consulting a doctor. Which ointment is better and more effective, the doctor will tell.

Contraindications and side effects

In rarer cases, it can also cause skin hypersensitivity reactions. In case of hypersensitivity to methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the use of ointments should be completely abandoned. It is strictly forbidden to use ointments during pregnancy or lactation.

Ointments can cause skin irritation, abrasions and irritation. This side effect is relatively common but not alarming. Ointments are also used in 3-day cycles. After 3 days of use, four days are followed by a respite during which the skin is restored.