The human papillomavirus is an oncogenic disease. The main manifestations of HPV are the formation of warts, papillomas and condyloma on the skin and mucous membranes. Both women and men are affected by the virus.
Causes of HPV Emergence and Activation
To 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 sex.
Can 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 can be used.
Can HPV be cured permanently?
A characteristic of HPV is that when it enters the body, it settles there 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 is not activated.
With a decrease in the immune system, non-compliance with hygiene rules, deterioration of health, the papillomavirus can reactivate.
Methods of infection with papillomavirus
HPV virus infection occurs through direct contact with an infected person, through mucous membranes and skin. There are several routes of infection:
- The main means is sexual contact. The probability of transmission of the papillomavirus from an infected partner during unprotected sexual intercourse is 60-70%. The risk increases considerably with frequent changes of partners. In the presence of microtraumas on the mucous membranes, infection is possible even during a kiss or oral sex;
- HPV infection also occurs in a domestic way: when using the same towels, dishes and hygiene products with an infected person. There is a risk of contracting the papillomavirus in public saunas, baths and swimming pools;
- It is also possible that the virus is transmitted vertically - from mother to fetus during childbirth.
Why is the human papillomavirus dangerous?
All varieties of HPV can be conditionally divided into two categories: low and high oncogenic risk viruses. Groups of the second category are capable of developing into an oncological disease.
To note! HPV poses the greatest risk to women: highly oncogenic strains of the virus are the most susceptible to it.
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 region.
In addition, 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 habitual way of life, therefore they must be eliminated.
In men, the risk of developing cancer with HPV is lower, but not excluded. Additionally, acute angle papillomas can form on the penis, causing discomfort and interfering with normal sexual activity. These neoplasms should be removed immediately.
Diagnostic methods
Identification of the disease usually begins with a visual examination by a doctor. During the examination, the mucous membranes, appendages are studied, with special attention 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 are:
- Women should definitely undergo colposcopy, examination of the cervix and vagina, as well as cytology tests (scraping of the mucous membranes). If oncology is suspected, a biopsy may be additionally prescribed;
- PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction). Allows identification of virus DNA from any material provided for analysis;
- The Digene test is a more accurate test. According to its results, the papillomavirus can be detected, its type can be recognized by DNA, and the degree of malignancy can be determined.
General HPV treatment regimen
Currently, there are no unified international protocols for the treatment of human papillomavirus. Two-component regimens have proven to be the best: they combine the removal of viral lesions by surgical methods and the simultaneous passage of special antiviral therapy. The effectiveness of this approach for the treatment of HPV is up to 90%.
Features of treatment in children
When HPV is activated in a child, doctors first resort to conservative therapeutic methods: the appointment of immunomodulators and vitamins, as well as local treatment of rashes with ointments, compresses.
Surgical intervention is usually used only in cases where during observation the growth of warts and papillomas is noted.
Features of treatment during pregnancy
To note! HPV during the period of pregnancy does not have a pronounced negative effect on its development and on the course of pregnancy in general.
The main recommendations for the treatment of papillomavirus during pregnancy:
- If the virus is detected before pregnancy, you must be treated without delay. This will normalize immunity and prevent thrush and other infections;
- It is desirable to plan the onset of pregnancy at the end of the second cycle after the end of treatment;
- The course of HPV treatment during pregnancy should begin no earlier than the 28th week of pregnancy - the period when all organs are formed in the child. This will help to avoid the negative effects of drugs on the child's body.
HPV treatment
The main treatments for HPV are:
- taking specific antiviral drugs;
- a course of immunomodulators;
- surgical removal of neoplasms (papillomas, warts);
- reduce the symptoms of the disease through traditional medicine.
Antiviral therapy
Important! The choice of drugs depends on the type of virus and the characteristics of the organism. Only a doctor can prescribe treatment and dosage of drugs, self-medication can aggravate the situation.
Immunomodulating drugs
The appointment of immunomodulators should be carried out by a doctor in accordance with the patient's immunogram - this will allow to achieve a faster and more stable result.
Surgical approach (growth removal)
The main goal of HPV surgery is to remove cells from the body that have been changed by the virus.
Removal can be carried out in several ways, depending on the characteristics of the disease and the indications of the doctor:
- Electrocautery. Depending on the HPV group, the effectiveness of the treatment varies from 80% to 95%;
- Laser rash removal. High efficiency, but there is a high probability of relapse. In addition, wounds after the procedure heal for a long time - up to 4 weeks;
- radio wave surgery. It is used to remove single formations;
- Cryotherapy. Efficiency - up to 65%, relapse occurs in 40-50% of cases;
- Chemo-destructive agents. Applicable only for rashes in the genital area. Relatively low efficiency - no more than 40%.
Folk remedies
To note! Means of alternative medicine should not be considered 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 folk remedies for papillomavirus are: fresh potato juice, strongly infused 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 fully 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 time.