The presence of such growths is associated with the presence of HPV in a person. They may not remember you for a long time.
Reasons for appearance
The cause of warts is the papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growths on the skin occur if there are provoking factors:
- congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
- stressful situations;
- flu;
- use of cytostatics;
- long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
- persistent urogenital infections;
- the presence of a herpes virus inside the body.
Attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the formation of neoplasms.
Risk subgroups
Papillomavirus is seen in the bloodstream of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, since HPV is in latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancies, and diabetes are at risk.
Additionally, those who use medications that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infections. Those who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.
Infection routes
There are 3 types of HPV transmission:
- Sexual. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual relationship. The virus is also transmitted through a kiss. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic lesions. The infection can remain in it for a long time.
- Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
- Domestic. It is very rarely spread by contact. It enters the body through microfissures in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.
But by eliminating these methods of infection, it is possible to prevent the appearance of pathology.
Characteristics of papillomas.
HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:
- It is found inside the body without the formation of new growths on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a latent form of pathology. It is possible to detect a pathogen without skin manifestations by PCR;
- They form as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign to tumorous neoplasms.
What do condylomas look like?
Condylomas are neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes that have an inflammatory nature. They have the following classification:
- wide with an extensive base;
- pointed on a thin stem. They usually appear on the skin of the genitals and armpits. Sometimes it is located in the corners of the mouth.
It is recommended to remove condylomas at the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions is it possible to eliminate the pathology probably once and for all. Conservative treatment methods often do not give the expected results.
Symptoms and signs
HPV symptoms depend on the underlying cause. The disease does not present 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 appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Main differences
During an external visual 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:
- Papillomas: They have a round or filiform shape with a thin base.
- Condylomas are irregularly shaped growths. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas usually form in the dermis near the genitals, on the lips and foreskin of the penis. They have a darker color and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic measures are known to identify the type of growths on the skin. These include:
- visual inspection;
- PCR, which allows determining the presence of HPV;
- genotyping. A scan that identifies the type of virus;
- histological diagnosis. It allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the probability of malignancy.
Treatment methods
Under no circumstances should you remove warts on your own. Before the growth removal procedure, doctors recommend taking 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.
Treatment must be prescribed by the treating doctor.
Hardware removal
Skin tumors can be removed in the following ways:
- Surgical. Until recently, it was the main way to eliminate tumors. After the scab falls off, a scar forms in the affected area. This led specialists to look for other methods of removing growths.
- Chemical. Special medications containing strong acids are used to burn warts.
- Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. The increased risk of relapse is a major disadvantage of using this method.
- Radio waves. It is painless and fast.
- Using a laser. One of the newest means of removing 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, the doctor can prescribe a specific method of excision.
Possible complications
If there is no treatment for the pathology, 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 functioning of the immune system. These growths are dangerous because they cause complications:
- formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
- papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
- bleeding. Usually after hardware papilloma removal;
- infection. During neoplastic trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
- suppuration of neoplasms;
- ulcers formed due to prolonged friction against clothing;
- precancerous condition;
- cancerous growths inside the body;
- risk of developing skin cancer;
- asphyxiation in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often appear. There is a risk of suffocation.
Important! The human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. You cannot ignore it and start independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.