The presence of such growths is associated with the presence of HPV in a person. They may not remind you of themselves for a long time.
Because of appearance
The cause of warts is papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growth on the skin occurs if there are provoking factors:
- congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
- stressful situations;
- common cold;
- cytostatic use;
- prolonged use of antibiotics, hormones, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
- persistent urogenital infection;
- the presence of the herpes virus in the body.
Attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the formation of a neoplasm.
Risk subgroups
Papillomavirus is observed in the bloodstream of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, because HPV is in a latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.
In addition, those who use drugs that suppress the immune system are prone to infections. Also at high risk are those who frequently change sexual partners.
Route of infection
There are 3 types of HPV transmission:
- Sexually. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual contact. The virus is also spread through kissing. Penetrating into the mucous membrane of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. Infection can live in it for a long time.
- Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the baby may have condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
- Domestically. It is very rarely spread by contact. It enters the body through micro cracks in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.
But by eliminating this method of infection, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of pathology.
Characteristics of papillomas
HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:
- located in the body without the formation of new growths on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. It is possible to detect pathogens without skin manifestations using PCR;
- formed as a growth on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign neoplasms to tumors.
What does condyloma look like?
Condylomas are neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They have the following classifications:
- wide with a wide base;
- pointing to a thin rod. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and in the armpits. Sometimes located in the corner of the mouth.
It is recommended to remove the condyloma at the first stage of its development. Only under such conditions is it possible to eliminate the most likely pathology once and for all. Conservative treatment methods often do not give the expected results.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. This disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:
- growth formation;
- skin irritation;
- discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- redness and itching.
Attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate other pathologies. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately see a doctor.
The main difference
During visual external examination, as well as when determining the type, many patients, without experience, confuse one type of wart with another. They are divided into two types:
- Papilloma - has a round or thread-like shape with a thin base.
- Condyloma is a tumor with an irregular shape. Its uneven contour usually protrudes 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas often form on the dermis near the genitals, on the labia and foreskin. They appear darker in color, and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.
Diagnostics
The following diagnostic steps are known to identify the type of growth on the skin. This includes:
- visual inspection;
- PCR, which makes it possible to determine the presence of HPV;
- genotype. Analysis that identifies the type of virus;
- histological diagnosis. Allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the possibility of malignancy.
Treatment methods
Under no circumstances should you remove warts yourself. Before the growth isolation procedure, doctors recommend taking the following steps:
- take antiviral drugs. This makes it possible to block the activity of HPV;
- improve the function of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.
Treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Hardware removal
Skin tumors can be eliminated in the following ways:
- Surgery. Until recently, it was the main way to eliminate tumors. After the crust falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompts experts to find other methods to remove tumors.
- chemical substance. To burn warts, special drugs containing strong acids are used.
- Cryocoagulation. Growth was frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperature. The increased risk of recurrence is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
- Radio waves. It is painless and quick.
- Using a laser. One of the latest ways to remove skin growth. Not suitable for all warts.
The method to remove warts directly depends on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Only based on these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a specific excision method.
Possible complications
If there is no treatment for the pathology, then the possibility of further infection increases, as a result of which the growth can spread to other areas of the skin and significantly weaken the function of the immune system. Such growth is dangerous because it creates complications:
- the formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
- papillomatosis. Extensive neoplasm growth;
- bleeding. Usually after hardware removal of the papilloma;
- infection. During neoplasm trauma, the possibility of infection increases;
- neoplasm suppuration;
- Ulcer Formed as a result of prolonged friction against clothing;
- precancerous conditions;
- cancer growth in the body;
- risk of skin cancer;
- asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papilloma, breathing difficulties often appear. There is a risk of suffocation.
Important! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and engage in independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease can become worse.