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 appearance
The cause of warts is the papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growths on the skin occur when provoking factors are present:
- congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
- stressful situations;
- flu;
- use of cytostatics;
- long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
- persistent urogenital infections;
- presence of herpes virus in the body.
Attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the development of neoplasms.
Risk subgroups
Papillomavirus is found in the bloodstream of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, because HPV is in a latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to previous illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.
Also, people who use drugs that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infections. Those who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.
Routes of infection
There are 3 types of HPV transmission:
- Sexual. Regardless of the type of sexual contact, this is the most popular mode of infection. The virus is also spread by kissing. Penetrating the mucous membranes of the genitals, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live in it for a long time.
- Intrapartum. The infection is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Then the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
- Domestic. It is extremely rarely spread through contact. It enters the body through the microcracks of the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.
But by eliminating these methods of infection, the occurrence of pathology can be prevented.
Characteristics of papillomas
HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:
- located inside the body, without new growths forming on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. With the help of PCR, the pathogen can be detected even without skin manifestations;
- growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promotes the degeneration of epithelial cells into benign cancerous tumors.
What do condylomas look like?
Condylomas are tumors that develop on the skin and mucous membranes and are inflammatory in nature. They are classified as follows:
- with a wide, extensive base;
- he pointed to a thin stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and in the armpits. Sometimes it is located in the corner of the mouth.
Removal of condylomas is recommended in the first stage of 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
Symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:
- formation of growths;
- skin irritation;
- discomfort during intercourse;
- redness and itching.
Attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate other pathologies. If these symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.
Main differences
During the visual external examination, as well as when determining the type, many patients without experience mistake one type of wart for another. They can be divided into two types:
- Papillomas – round or filamentous in shape with a thin base.
- Condylomas are growths of irregular shape. Their uneven outline usually protrudes 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas often develop near the genitals, on the labia and the foreskin of the penis. They appear darker in color, their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.
Diagnostics
The following diagnostic measures are known to identify the type of tumors on the skin. These include:
- visual inspection;
- PCR, which allows determining the presence of HPV;
- genotyping. An analysis that identifies the type of virus;
- histological diagnosis. It makes it possible to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the probability of malignant tumors.
Treatment methods
Under no circumstances should you remove warts on your own. Before cutting out the growths, doctors recommend the following measures:
- take antiviral drugs. This allows suppression of HPV activity;
- improve the functioning of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.
The treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Hardware removal
Skin tumors can be removed in the following ways:
- Surgical. Until recently, this was the main way to eliminate tumors. After the crust falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This has prompted professionals to look for other methods of cutting out the growths.
- Chemical. Special drugs containing strong acids are used to burn warts.
- Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen at a low temperature using liquid nitrogen. A significant disadvantage of using this method is the increased risk of relapse.
- Radio waves. Painless and fast.
- Using a laser. One of the newest means of eliminating skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.
The methods of removing warts directly depend on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Based only on these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a specific excision method.
Possible complications
If the pathology is not treated, 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 immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they cause complications:
- formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
- papillomatosis. Extensive growth of tumors;
- bleeding. Typically, after hardware removal of papillomas;
- infection. During neoplasm trauma, the probability of infection increases;
- suppuration of neoplasms;
- ulcers Formed due to prolonged friction against clothing;
- precancerous condition;
- cancerous growth in the body;
- risk of developing skin cancer;
- suffocation in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often occur. There is a risk of suffocation.
Important! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and engage in independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.