The presence of such growths is associated with the presence of HPV in a person. They may not remind you of yourself for a long time.
Reasons for appearing
The cause of warts is the papilloma virus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growths on the skin appear when provoking factors are present:
- congenital or acquired form of immune deficiency;
- stressful situations;
- Flu;
- use of cytostatics;
- prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
- persistent urogenital infections;
- the presence of a herpes virus in the body.
Attention! The presence of HPV in a person is not a guarantee of the formation of neoplasms.
Risk subgroups
Papilloma viruses are observed in the bloodstream of approximately 85% of the population. Many people are unaware that they are carriers of the virus because HPV is in a latent form and does not show any external signs. People with a weakened immune system due to previous illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.
In addition, those who take medications that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infections. People who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.
Routes of infection
There are 3 types of HPV transmission:
- Sexually. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus also spreads through a kiss. It penetrates the mucous membrane of the sexual organs and enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can survive there for a long time.
- Intrapartum. The infection passes from mother to child during birth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
- Domestic. Spread is extremely rare through contact. It enters the body through microtears in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.
However, by eliminating these methods of infection, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of pathology.
Features of papillomas
HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:
- is located inside the body without new growths forming on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. Using PCR it is possible to detect a pathogen without skin symptoms;
- form as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign to tumor neoplasms.
What do condylomas look like?
Condylomas are neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They have the following classification:
- broad with extended base;
- pointed on a thin stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and in the armpits. Sometimes localized in the corners of the mouth.
It is recommended to remove condylomas at the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions will it most likely be possible to eliminate the pathology once and for all. Conservative treatment methods often do not produce the expected results.
Symptoms and signs
The symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:
- formation of growths;
- skin irritation;
- discomfort during sexual intercourse;
- Redness and itching.
Attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate other pathologies. If such symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Key differences
When performing a visual external examination and determining the type of wart, many patients without experience confuse one type of wart with another. They are divided into two types:
- Papillomas – have a round or thread-like shape with a thin base.
- Condylomas are growths with an irregular shape. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas often form on the dermis near the genitals, on the labia and the foreskin of the penis. They are darker in color and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.
diagnosis
To identify the type of growths on the skin, the following diagnostic measures are known. These include:
- Visual inspection;
- PCR, which makes it possible to detect the presence of HPV;
- Genotyping. An analysis that identifies the virus type;
- histological diagnosis. Allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the likelihood of malignancy.
Treatment methods
Under no circumstances should you remove warts yourself. Before removing growths, doctors recommend the following measures:
- take antiviral medications. This makes it possible to suppress HPV activity;
- Improve the functioning of the immune system – take vitamins and immunomodulators.
The treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Hardware removal
Skin tumors can be eliminated in the following ways:
- Surgical. Until recently, it was the main method of tumor elimination. After the crust falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompted specialists to look for other methods of removing growths.
- Chemical. To burn off warts, special drugs containing strong acids are used.
- Cryocoagulation. The vegetation is frozen with liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. A major disadvantage of this method is the increased risk of relapse.
- Radio waves. It's painless and quick.
- With a laser. One of the newest means of eliminating skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.
Methods for removing warts directly depend on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Only based on these indicators can the doctor prescribe a specific excision method.
Possible complications
If the pathology is not treated, the likelihood of further infection increases, as a result of which the growths can spread to other areas of the skin and significantly weaken the function of the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they provoke complications:
- Formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
- Papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
- Bleeding. Typically after hardware removal of papillomas;
- Infection. With neoplasm trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
- suppuration of neoplasms;
- UlcersArose from prolonged rubbing against clothing;
- precancerous condition;
- cancerous growths in the body;
- risk of developing skin cancer;
- Asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, difficulty breathing often occurs. There is a risk of suffocation.
Important! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and carry out independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.