Papillomavirus infection is one of the most common viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Almost everyone has faced one or another manifestation of it at least once in their life. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known, each of which causes tumors of a certain type and location: papillomas on the body, mucous membranes, convex and flat warts on the arms and legs, genital warts and other tumors. Papillomas can be single or multiple. Choosing an effective remedy for papillomas is not an easy task, so it is better to leave it to a dermatovenereologist.
Types of HPV medications
Medicines used to treat HPV can be classified into the following groups:
- Antiviral drugs.
- Immunostimulants.
- Means for the destruction of neoplasms.
First you need to determine the nature of the neoplasm: sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a papilloma from a mole or condyloma. Then, using PCR analysis, determine the type of virus, since some of them contribute to the development of malignant tumors. Anti-papilloma drugs can be used in combination or separately.
Antiviral drugs
Medical treatment of skin tumors caused by HPV is rarely complete without drugs belonging to this group. They have a harmful effect on the virus, inhibit its reproduction, and have an immunomodulating effect.
Pharmaceutical preparations, which are produced in several dosage forms: injections, tablets, suppositories, ointments and gels, are especially popular. In general, local application may be sufficient for a single formation.
Antiviral ointments and gels are prescribed before and after laser therapy, electrocoagulation, and after that they provide high efficiency in treatment and prevention of relapses.
What are the indications for the appointment of systemic anti-viral drugs:
- High and potentially high oncological risk HPV infection, confirmed by PCR;
- more papillomas on the body (this indicates high HPV activity);
- primary and secondary immunodeficiency conditions (when the body is unable to cope with the viral load on its own).
Antiviral drugs (injections and tablets) are contraindicated:
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- with individual intolerance.
Most medications are available with a prescription.
Which antiviral drugs are considered the most effective and can get rid of papillomas?
Inosine tablets
The drug is available in the form of tablets. This is one of the most popular papilloma remedies today. The active ingredient of the preparation is inosine (a purine derivative). It has a complex effect:
- blocks the enzymes of the virus, which causes its death;
- activates the production of interferon;
- activates lymphocytes;
- inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators.
2 tablets per day are prescribed for 2 weeks, if necessary, the duration of treatment can be extended for a month. It can be used in children older than 3 years.
Nausea, headache, and gout may worsen during treatment.
Medicines based on meglumine acridone acetate
The drug is available in two forms: injection and tablet. The active ingredient is meglumine acridone acetate. The mechanism of action is the induction of interferon.
Effects:
- antiviral;
- immunomodulatory;
- anti-inflammatory.
Intramuscular injections of the drug are given every other day, up to 10 injections per course.
Devices based on a glycoside isolated from the stem of nightshade
Release form: solution for intravenous injection, ointment, gel spray inlay for the treatment of the oral cavity, intimate gel spray for the treatment of genital papillomas. The active ingredient is a glycoside isolated from the stem of nightshade.
It is a modern remedy against the virus with a broad spectrum of effects:
- anti-inflammatory,
- immunomodulatory,
- promotes tissue regeneration.
Intravenous injections are prescribed according to the scheme: the first 3 times within 2 days, the next 5 times within 3 days. Topical preparations and injections are generally well tolerated. The ointment and gel can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Immunostimulants
Multiple papillomas often indicate a malfunction of the body. Medicines belonging to this group have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Before use, a consultation with an immunologist and an additional test (immunogram) are required.
Immunostimulants alone cannot get rid of the external manifestations of human papillomavirus. But in case of confirmed immunodeficiency, they should be included in the HPV treatment complex. They are compatible with antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antifungal drugs.
The use of immunostimulants is prohibited:
- during pregnancy;
- breast-feeding;
- individual intolerance.
They are available in pharmacies with a prescription. Which of the drugs in this group is the most effective?
Compositions for the destruction of papilloma
Medicines belonging to this group have a direct medicinal effect on the papilloma. They contain aggressive ingredients that destroy epithelial cells. Which of these are the most popular among doctors and patients, and can they get rid of HPV-related skin tumors?
Freezing medicine
Papilloma is affected by a temperature of -57 ° C, which leads to a violation of the blood supply and necrosis. The drug is sold in the pharmacy without a prescription.
The product should not be used on sensitive skin surfaces (face, armpits, intimate areas) and mucous membranes.
The kit includes a bottle with a mixture of propane and dimethyl ether, a plastic holder and foam applicators. Several formations can be processed during one session. The exposure time depends on the size of the papilloma, but should not exceed 40 seconds. The papilloma falls off within 10-14 days. 1-4 procedures are required to remove the formation.
Drops based on methacrysol
Drops for external use, with applicator. This is a relatively new, effective drug for the treatment of papillomas. The main component is metacresol. It has a cauterizing effect, leading to the death of the virus and the destruction of the neoplasm.
The medicine is applied very carefully and precisely to the cells. If a drop of the solution gets on healthy surrounding tissue, it should be removed immediately with a dry cotton swab. Small papillomas on the body are treated once, larger ones 3-4 times, at intervals of a few minutes, after the previous layer has dried.
It is impossible to treat papillomas located in skin folds and interdigital spaces with the drug.
It is better to entrust the removal of neoplasms in the anogenital zone to a medical professional.
A preparation based on a mixture of acids
The release form is a solution bottle, a plastic applicator for topical application and a glass capillary for treating large surfaces.
The medicine contains a mixture of acids: trichloroacetic acid, oxalic acid, nitric acid and lactic acid. Drops of the solution cause a chemical burn of the tissue, which leads to mummification of the papilloma.
Apply the product gently to the affected area until the color changes. After the effect of this drug on the papilloma, a crust forms on its surface, which disappears on its own after 10-12 days. If the effect is not satisfactory, the procedure must be repeated.
Treatment results
After using the drugs, the DNA of the virus remains in the human body. The purpose of using drugs for papillomas is to get rid of external manifestations, strengthen immunity and achieve the transition of HPV infection into a latent form. Only a local effect is possible in the case of a single formation on the body. In other cases, its efficiency is 25-50%.
What conditions are necessary to achieve the best results?
- full diagnostics;
- combined approach to treatment;
- choosing the optimal treatment regimen.
Therefore, the key to successful treatment of papillomavirus is timely medical help. There are many drugs for the treatment of papilloma, and in each case, a specialist must determine which one is best for the person.