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 occurrence and activation of HPV
Note! The main reason for the appearance of papillomavirus in the body is infection by an infected person.
Factors that provoke infection include:
- weakened immunity;
- bad habits;
- frequent and severe nerve strokes;
- viral infections;
- gastrointestinal tract pathology;
- frequent change of sexual partners, unprotected sex.
Can human papillomavirus be cured?
HPV in the active stage of development is treatable.
The main purpose of treatment is to eliminate the symptoms and strengthen the defense mechanism of the human body.
Depending on the type of virus, the symptoms and complications, different treatments can be used.
Can HPV be cured forever?
A feature of HPV is that when it enters the body, it settles in it permanently. During periods when the body has a strong defense mechanism and is not exposed to the above risk factors, the virus is in a dormant state and is not activated.
With a weakening of the immune system, non-compliance with the rules of hygiene, deterioration of health, papillomavirus can be reactivated.
Methods of papillomavirus infection
HPV infection occurs through direct contact with an infected person, through the mucous membranes and skin. There are several routes of infection:
- The main way is sexual contact. The probability of transmitting papillomavirus from an infected partner during unprotected intercourse is 60-70%. The risk increases significantly with frequent changes of partners. In the presence of microtraumas in the mucosa, infection is possible even during a kiss or oral sex;
- HPV infection also occurs at home: when you use the same towels, dishes and hygiene products with an infected person. There is a risk of papillomavirus infection in saunas, baths and public swimming pools;
- Vertical transmission of the virus - from mother to fetus during birth - is also possible.
Why is human papillomavirus dangerous?
All varieties of HPV can be conditionally divided into two categories: low-risk and high-oncogenic viruses. The second category groups are capable of developing into an oncological disease.
Note! HPV poses the greatest risk to women: multi-oncogenic strains of the virus are more susceptible to them.
In women, papillomavirus can cause a number of diseases related to the reproductive system:
- cervical pathology: erosion, leukoplakia, adenocarcinoma, carcinogenic tumors;
- external genital oncology, anal area.
Also, the development of the disease is associated with the appearance of warts and papillomas on the genitals, limbs, armpits and neck. Neoplasms cause discomfort, interfere with hygiene, and lead a normal lifestyle, so they must be disposed of.
In men, the risk of developing HPV cancer is lower, but it is not ruled out. In addition, acute angle papillomas can form on the penis, which can cause discomfort and interfere with normal sexual activity. Such neoplasms should be removed immediately.
Diagnostic methods
Identification of the disease usually begins with a visual examination by a physician. During the examination the mucous membranes, the layers of the skin are studied, especially carefully it is necessary to examine the areas in which warts and papillomas most often form: genital area, armpits, neck.
The main methods for diagnosing HPV include the following:
- Women should definitely undergo a colposcopy, examination of the cervix and vagina, as well as undergo tests for cytology (search of the mucous membranes). If oncology is suspected, an additional biopsy may be 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 analysis. According to 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 proved best: they combine the removal of viral lesions with surgical methods and the simultaneous passage of special antiviral therapy. The effectiveness of this approach in the treatment of HPV is up to 90%.
Characteristics of treatment in children
When HPV is activated in a child, doctors first of all use conservative methods of therapy: the appointment of immunomodulators and vitamins, as well as local treatment of rashes with oils, compresses.
Surgical intervention is usually used only in those cases when, during the observation, the growth of warts and papillomas is noticed.
Characteristics of treatment during pregnancy
Note! HPV during the period of childbirth does not have a significant negative effect on its development and the course of pregnancy in general.
Key recommendations for treating papillomavirus during pregnancy:
- If the virus is detected before pregnancy, you should be treated without delay. This will normalize immunity and avoid 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 the organs are formed in the baby. This will help avoid the negative effects of the medication on the baby's body.
papillomavirus treatment
The main treatments for HPV are:
- taking specific antiviral drugs;
- a course of immunomodulators;
- surgical removal of neoplasms (papillomas, warts);
- reducing the symptoms of the disease by means of traditional medicine.
Antiviral therapy
Important! The choice of medication depends on the type of virus and the characteristics of the body. Only a doctor can prescribe a course of therapy and dose of medication, self-medication can worsen the situation.
Immunomodulatory drugs
The appointment of immunomodulators should be performed by a physician in accordance with the patient's immunogram - this will achieve a faster and more consistent result.
Surgical approach (removal of the growth)
The main purpose of HPV surgery is to remove cells that have been modified by the virus from the body.
Removal can be performed in several ways, depending on the characteristics of the disease and the indications of the doctor:
- Electrocoagulation. Depending on the HPV group, the effectiveness of treatment varies from 80% to 95%;
- Laser redness removal. High efficiency, but has a high probability of recovery. In addition, wounds after the procedure heal for a long time - up to 4 weeks;
- radio wave surgery. Used to remove single formations;
- Cryotherapy. Efficiency - up to 65%, relapse occurs in 40-50% of cases;
- Chemo-destructive agents. Applies only to rashes on the genital area. Relatively low efficiency - no more than 40%.
Folk remedies
Note! Alternative medicine tools 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 popular remedies: fresh potato juice, slanted 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 recurrence of HPV
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:
- observe the proper diet;
- undergo vitamin therapy;
- observe a normal way of working, get enough sleep and relax completely;
- 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.