Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects epithelial cells and has a particle diameter of 55 nm. A special feature is the proliferation of the epithelium of the skin, as well as the mucous membrane. In the initial stage, the pathogen usually affects the basal cells of the epithelium, penetrating them through microtraumas. Localized papillomas are usually found on the skin of the neck, armpits, groin and genitals (most often), oral mucosa and nasopharynx.
This virus can exist for years without symptoms. To detect HPV, electron microscope or molecular hybridization methods are used.
Types of human papillomavirus
Humans have HPV, which affects the mucous membrane and skin. Among the large number of papillomaviruses, there are types with low and high oncogenic risk. Oncogenic properties have been shown to be associated with the ability to integrate DNA into the genome of human cells.
The virus is activated in 10-20% of cases. Depending on the type, it can lead to benign or malignant lesions. Some HPV viruses are not oncogenic. They lead to warts and genital warts. The most common are HPV 6 and 11.
HPV oncogenes are those that have a high risk of developing cancerous lesions, especially on the cervix or anus. As for the skin, HPV 16 and 18 are more common, as well as 5 and 8, which can lead to skin cancer. The most well-known form of cancer caused by HPV is cervical cancer. But men can also become infected with the papillomavirus, which in the worst cases causes cancer of the penis or anus.
Often, women encounter HPV 16 - this is the form in which introsomal parasitism is observed, i. e. outside the cell chromosome (benign). HPV 18 has a high risk of developing cancer – first benign tumors are formed, which after some time degenerate into cancer. Virions in this case have small sizes (up to 30 nm).
- neoplasms of the cervix;
- invasive or pre-invasive oncology;
- genital warts of the urinary tract and genitals.
Characteristics of the infection
Human papillomavirus is highly contagious. It is usually transmitted by direct contact, skin to skin or mucous membrane to mucous membrane, with an infected person. In the case of genital infections, this most often happens during vaginal or oral sex. Having a large number of sexual partners or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases the risk. Indirect transmission through objects, contaminated clothing or bedding is also possible, but is quite rare.
In 7% of cases, transmission of the virus from mother to child can occur during childbirth, when the infection is active. The risk increases to 40% if you are infected with HPV 16 or 18.
Penetrating the epithelium, disrupting its integrity, papillomavirus infection promotes the growth of the lower layer of epithelial cells in the form of condylomas or warts. This form of the disease is contagious and spreads quickly to others. As a rule, warts and condylomas do not cause metastases and often disappear spontaneously.
HPV symptoms
The incubation period lasts up to 9 months (3 months on average). HPV can be present in the body without obvious symptoms. The virus can remain undetected for months or years. Even at this stage it is contagious.
Skin warts usually appear in groups and increase in number when scratched. The two most common forms of papilloma are either grayish, hard, raised with a broken surface (common wart) or flat and reddish (flat wart). Thorny warts occur on the soles of the feet or heels, grow inward and are therefore often painful.
- Genital warts. Pale or reddish nodules that often appear in groups and occur on the lips, vagina, penis, urethra, anal canal and rectum. They are very contagious.
- Flat condylomas. They appear in the form of flat nodules and are found mainly on the female genital organs. They increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Giant condylomas (Buschke-Levenshtein tumors). They grow into huge formations, destroying the surrounding tissues. In rare cases, they can degenerate and lead to squamous cell carcinoma.
Infection of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract is also possible. The conjunctiva of the eyes may be affected, resulting in pink stalks.
It is more difficult to detect an asymptomatic course, which the doctor can see only with the help of auxiliary means such as acetic acid (causes a change in the color of the warts) or a microscope.
In addition, the virus can also lodge in cells without any tissue changes. Then we talk about a latent infection, i. e. the presence of a pathogen, but without symptoms. Once infected, this phase can last from a few weeks to a few months.
Possible consequences
When infected, the viruses penetrate the cells of the covering tissue of the skin and mucous membranes, settle in the nuclei of cellular structures and reproduce there. Typically, such HPV infections go unnoticed and heal on their own without consequences, as the immune system successfully fights the pathogen.
However, some types of HPV cause skin changes called growths. Possible forms include genital warts or condylomas and papillomas, which can affect, for example, the face, arms or legs.
The resulting tissue changes are mostly benign, but they can also degenerate and lead to cancer. For example, cancer can appear decades after an HPV infection. Cancer of the external female genitalia (cancer of the vulva and vagina), anal cancer, cancer of the penis and cancer of the mouth and throat (tumors of the head and neck) are also possible.
Establishing a diagnosis
As part of preventive visits to the gynecologist, women are tested for HPV infection. During a gynecological examination, a swab of the mucous membrane of the cervix is taken, this is called a Papanicolaou test (cytological examination). The resulting material is studied for tissue changes to determine precancerous conditions.
In addition, an HPV test can be performed, in which cellular material from a mucosal swab or tissue sample is tested in the laboratory for the presence of certain viruses. However, this only proves that the affected area is infected, but does not make any statement as to whether tissue changes have occurred. So an HPV test makes sense, especially when combined with a Pap test, and can help detect cancer precursors at an early stage.
If the test is positive, there is no reason to worry because infections do not always lead to cancer. Regular examination is recommended to detect tissue changes at an early stage. On the other hand, a negative test result does not indicate whether there was an infection in the past that the body successfully fought.
For men, there is no preventive examination in which testing would be done regularly. If there is an underlying cancer, testing the tumor can determine whether HPV infection is underlying the cancer.
Specialized DNA methods are also used in laboratory diagnostics, such as real-time PCR. Anogenital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11 are easily detected during a gynecological examination.
How to cure human papilloma virus
In most cases, the disease does not require treatment because it goes away by itself and then the viruses are no longer detected. However, if this is not the case, the infection may last longer and last for months or years.
To date, there are no methods of systemic action against this virus that could completely destroy it. However, treating existing warts reduces the number of viruses, so in many cases the immune system can fight off the remaining viruses and get rid of them. In some cases, the pathogens survive and can cause disease symptoms again and again.
- Plantar and genital warts can be treated with topical medications formulated with salicylic acid.
- Cryotherapy is also a method often used for HPV. In this case, the wart is burned cold, using liquid nitrogen.
- Lasers or electrocautery are equally used methods.
For cancer caused by HPV, treatment is much more difficult. In the case of cervical cancer, it is often recommended to remove the uterus, that is, the upper part of the vagina and ovaries. This can be supplemented with radiation therapy to eliminate the possibility of recurrence. Other cancers caused by HPV are most often treated with targeted therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
It should be remembered that surgery is not a radical solution, but only solves a cosmetic problem, because after removal, the virus can remain in the surrounding tissues and condylomas can reappear.
Prevention of infection
There are two vaccinations: the bivalent vaccine against HPV 16 and 18 and the quadrivalent vaccine against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. Vaccination is recommended for all young girls age 14 and older.
Vaccination does not protect against all types of HPV. Therefore, all women between the ages of 25 and 65, even if they have been vaccinated, are advised to undergo regular pap smears.
Timely detection and complete removal of condyloma reduces the risk of the disease. The effectiveness of using condoms to protect against the transmission of infection can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease. The most promising way to prevent and treat the initial stages of the disease caused by this infection is a specific polyvalent vaccine.
Why plantar warts appear and treatment methods
Warts are skin lesions that appear in the form of special round formations that protrude above the surface. They are caused by specific viruses.
These formations often cause physical discomfort due to their location. Even after treatment they tend to recur.
Types and reasons
There are many types of warts, which are classified according to a number of characteristics:
- Simple. They appear on exposed parts of the body, hands, feet, face and scalp. They are usually not dangerous, but they are not aesthetically pleasing and can multiply quickly, affecting large areas of the skin. They are arranged as in "families".
- Planter. Their localization is exclusively on the feet. It causes discomfort when walking.
The main cause is infection with the human papilloma virus, which affects the mucous membrane and skin.
Human papillomavirus
This is one of the most common viruses on Earth. Infection can occur in several ways:
- contact and household (by touch);
- sexual (genital, anal, oral-genital);
- in childbirth from mother to child.
The period of development of the disease ranges from several weeks to several tens of years, which is explained by the fact that the virus may not manifest itself for a long time, but as soon as the immunity weakens a little, growths immediately appear on the skin. skin and/or mucous membranes. The main danger of this disease is that certain types of HPV can cause the formation of a malignant tumor (cancer of the skin or mucous membrane). To be sure that the disease will not lead to the formation of tumors, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a doctor, and not to self-medicate.
Symptoms and types of warts on the foot
A plantar wart appears as a callus-like thickening with a stratum corneum of the skin. It interferes with walking and causes pain. The passive state is characterized by slow reproduction, which does not reach the stratum corneum of the epithelium, so this state is not manifested externally.
The active state is characterized by the fact that the virus develops rapidly and, rising to the upper layers of the epidermis, manifests itself in numerous symptoms. Plantar wart is also called spinous wart, chicken wart. The virus comes into contact with the skin through cuts and scratches in the outer layer of the skin:
- First, a small yellowish-gray papule with an uneven surface appears.
- Gradually, the small element becomes thick and takes on a dirty color.
From the inside, a plantar wart looks like fused papillae of different sizes with a pinkish tint. This is where extra capillaries are formed that cause bleeding if you get a wart.
Removal of plantar warts
It is worth treating plantar warts if:
- There are painful sensations.
- The nipple is bleeding.
- There were stains on it.
- The wart increases in size rapidly.
There are many methods of treatment. One of them is cryodestruction. The meaning of the method is to expose the wart to liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 degrees. The area affected by the virus is frozen and the wart is removed.
A common and aggressive exposure method is used. In the aggressive method, nitrogen is applied for a few seconds longer, but this method is more painful. It is important to note that if a wart appears and exists for more than six months, then the effectiveness of cryodestruction is significantly reduced, and the meaning of such an operation, accordingly, also disappears.
After removing a plantar wart with liquid nitrogen, you should follow some recommendations:
- the blister left on the nipple cannot be opened;
- to avoid mechanical damage, use a sterile bandage, not a plaster;
- Treat the affected area with salicylic alcohol 2% twice a day;
- try to prevent water from entering the affected area.
Another method is laser coagulation. This is one of the most common methods for removing warts. Most laser systems are equipped with a special cooling system. Therefore, the procedure takes place with minimal discomfort and does not allow inflammation, because the laser has antiseptic properties. Moreover, this is a non-contact method.
There are several ways:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The treatment in this case takes place using infrared light. The method is 70% effective, but the disadvantage is that healthy tissue can be damaged.
- Erbium laser. This treatment method uses a shorter wavelength, which reduces the likelihood of scarring after surgery. Efficiency is typically 75%.
- Pulsed laser for coloring. This method of exposure leads to the primary destruction of enlarged capillaries in the nipple and stimulation of the immune system, which contributes to effective healing. The effectiveness of the treatment is about 95%.
After the laser treatment, a crust forms on the affected area, which disappears on its own within seven to ten days. The recommendations for this method of treatment are the same as after exposure to nitrogen - avoid mechanical damage and water ingress.
The next way to remove warts is electrocoagulation. In this case, a high-frequency current is applied to the nipple. The treatment is carried out under local anesthesia. Exposing the wart to high temperatures leads to the evaporation of cells affected by the papilloma virus. Another advantage of this method is that cauterization of blood vessels prevents bleeding. After the operation, a crust forms on the affected area of the skin, which disappears within 7 to 10 days.
Plantar warts can be treated with direct surgery. In this case, excision occurs under local anesthesia, and then sutures are placed. After the operation, the doctor will prescribe certain recommendations. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent water and soap from entering the affected area, not to tear off the resulting crust, and to treat the affected area with an antiseptic in the first 7-10 days.
There are certain contraindications for each type of surgery. Therefore, it will be impossible to perform the operation if the following occurs:
- pregnancy;
- diabetes;
- malignant tumors in the body;
- infection and inflammation around the nipple;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- elevated temperature.
If your blood pressure is high, the procedure should also be delayed.
Treatment of warts without surgery
People often ask how to remove a plantar wart without surgery. To do this, you can use pharmaceutical ointments and solutions.
Basically, these fats have the following effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- immunomodulatory;
- antivirus;
- antifungal.
In addition, it may contain vitamin E, which also has a positive effect on treatment, as vitamins generally strengthen the body and reduce the risk of relapse.
It is important that these products are used for single and shallow plantar warts. Moreover, if any side effects occur, it is necessary to wash off the medicine with plenty of warm water and seek medical help immediately.
So, it is possible to cure warts, there are many ways to do it, but you should not do it without first consulting a doctor, so as not to harm your health. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate if the doctor prescribes contraindications.
Treatment of papillomas on the body
Hardware methods
Modern hardware methods for treating papillomas make it possible to remove them and prevent the development of disease relapse. The most commonly used methods are:
- Cryodestruction is the destruction of growths by exposure to low temperatures.
- Electrocoagulation is the cauterization of formations with electric current, the strength and frequency of which are selected depending on the size, type and density of the papilloma.
- Laser removal. The type of impact is clear from the name. The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes and helps to get rid of unpleasant growths forever.
Drug treatment
Among the drugs used are celandine, castor oil, lapis pencil, preparations Sani Skin and Dermavit.
They show different effectiveness and do not prevent the recurrence of the disease. The main disadvantage of drug therapy for papillomas is the frequent development of allergic reactions.
Prevention of papillomas
In order to avoid growths and human papilloma virus infection, you should:
- Use protective contraception during sexual intercourse.
- Follow the rules of personal hygiene and use only individual towels, soap and a toothbrush.
- When visiting public bathrooms, don't neglect rubber shoes.
You should also normalize your daily routine, eat a balanced diet, give up bad habits and avoid stressful situations. These factors are not the cause of the disease, but they can cause its development if the virus is already present in the body.