The presence of such a growth is related to the presence of HPV in a person. They may not remind you of themselves for a long time.
Reasons for appearance
The cause of warts is the papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growth on the skin occurs if there are stimulating factors:
- type of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency;
- stressful situations;
- flu;
- use of cytostatics;
- prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
- persistent urogenital infections;
- presence of herpes virus inside the body.
Attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the formation of neoplasms.
Risk subgroups
Papillomavirus is observed 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 a latent form and does not show external symptoms. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.
In addition, those who use drugs that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infection. Also at high risk are those who change sexual partners frequently.
Routes of infection
There are 3 types of HPV transmission:
- Sexual. It is the most common method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus also spreads through kissing. Entering the mucous membrane of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live there for a long time.
- Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the child may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growth.
- Domestic. It spreads extremely rarely through contact. It enters the body through microcracks in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.
But by eliminating these means of infection, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the pathology.
Characteristics of papillomas
HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:
- located inside the body without new growth formation on the skin. In such a case, the doctor makes a diagnosis in the hidden form of pathology. Pathogens can be detected without skin exposure using PCR;
- form as a growth on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promoting the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign neoplasms to tumors.
What do the condylomas look like?
Condylomas are neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They have the following classification:
- broad with broad base;
- aimed at a thin stem. 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 at the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions can the pathology be eliminated probably once and for all. Conservative treatment methods often do not give the expected results.
Signs and symptoms
HPV symptoms depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:
- growth formation;
- skin irritation;
- discomfort during intercourse;
- redness and itching.
Attention! Sometimes skin irritation and itching indicate other pathologies. If such symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Key differences
During an external visual examination, as well as when determining the type, many patients, inexperienced, confuse one type of wart with another. They are divided into two types:
- Papillomas – round or thread shaped with a thin base.
- Condylomas are growths with an irregular shape. Their uneven contours usually arise 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas often form on the dermis near the genitals, on the labia and foreskin of the penis. They look darker in color, and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.
Diagnostics
The following diagnostic measures are known to identify the type of skin growth. These include:
- visual inspection;
- PCR, which makes it possible to determine the presence of HPV;
- genotyping. 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.
Methods of treatment
You should not, under any circumstances, remove warts yourself. Before the growth cutting procedure, doctors recommend taking the following measures:
- take antiviral drugs. This allows HPV activity to be suppressed;
- improve the functioning of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.
The treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Remove hardware
Skin tumors can be eliminated in the following ways:
- Surgery. Until recently, it was the main way to eliminate tumors. After the crust falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompted specialists to search for other methods of cutting off growth.
- Chemical. To burn warts, special medicines containing strong acids are used.
- Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at a low temperature. A significant disadvantage of using this method is the increased risk of relapse.
- Radio waves. It is painless and quick.
- Using a laser. One of the newest ways to eliminate skin growth. It is not suitable for all warts.
Methods to remove 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.
Potential conflicts
If there is no treatment of the pathology, then the probability of further infection increases, and as a result 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 neoplasm trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
- suppuration of neoplasms;
- ulcers Formed by prolonged friction against clothing;
- precancerous condition;
- cancerous growths within the body;
- risk of developing skin cancer;
- asphyxia in childhood. When papillomas are affecting the larynx, breathing difficulties are often seen. There is a risk of suffocation.
Important! The human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and engage in independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.