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.
Reasons for the 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;
- the flu;
- use of cytostatics;
- prolonged 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
The papillomavirus is observed in the bloodstream of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, as HPV is in latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to previous illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.
Furthermore, 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 infection method, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus also spreads through kissing. 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 birth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
- Domestic. It spreads extremely rarely by contact. It enters the body through microcracks in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.
But by eliminating these methods 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:
- it is located 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 cutaneous manifestations using PCR;
- they form as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign to tumoral neoplasms.
What do condylomas look like?
Condylomas are neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes of an inflammatory nature. They have the following classification:
- wide with extensive base;
- pointed at a thin rod. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and in the armpits. Sometimes located in the corners of the mouth.
It is recommended to remove condylomas in the first phase of their development. Only under such conditions is it possible to eliminate the pathology 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 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 – have a round or filiform shape and a thin base.
- Condylomas are irregularly shaped growths. Its irregular contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas usually form in the dermis near the genitals, on the labia and foreskin of the penis. They appear darker 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 growth on the skin. These include:
- visual inspection;
- PCR, which allows you to determine the presence of HPV;
- genotyping. An analysis 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 yourself. Before the growth excision 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 attending physician.
Hardware Removal
Skin tumors can be eliminated 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 experts to look for other methods of excising growths.
- Chemical. To burn warts, special medications are used that contain strong acids.
- Cryoagulation. The growth is frozen with liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. The increased risk of relapse is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
- Radio waves. It's painless and quick.
- Using a laser. One of the newest ways to eliminate skin growth. Not suitable for all warts.
Wart removal methods 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 there is no treatment for the pathology, the likelihood of new infections 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. Such growths are dangerous because they provoke complications:
- formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
- papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
- bleeding. Usually after hardware removal of papillomas;
- infection. During neoplastic trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
- suppuration of neoplasms;
- ulcersFormed 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! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and start independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.