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.
Appearance reasons
The cause of warts is the papilloma virus, which causes papillomatosis. Such formations on the skin occur if there are provoking factors:
- congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
- stressful situations;
- flu;
- use of cytostatic agents;
- long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
- persistent urogenital infections;
- the presence of the herpes virus in the body.
Attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the formation of neoplasms.
Risk subgroups
The papilloma virus is observed in the bloodstream of about 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, because HPV is in a latent form and has no external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.
In addition, those taking drugs that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infection. There is also a high risk for those who often change sexual partners.
Routes of infection
There are 3 ways HPV is transmitted:
- Sexual. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus is also spread by kissing. Penetrating the genital mucosa, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live in it for a long time.
- Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. During this time, the child may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
- Domestic. It is extremely rarely spread 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 comes in many forms and has the following characteristics:
- located inside the body without forming new formations on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. It is possible to detect the pathogen without skin manifestations using PCR;
- formed as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
- promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign tumors.
What do warts look like?
Condylomas are neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They have the following classification:
- wide with a wide base;
- pointed to 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 in the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions is it possible to prevent the pathology, most likely, 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 has no general clinical symptoms. But the following features stand out:
- the formation of growths;
- skin irritation;
- discomfort during intercourse;
- redness and itching.
Attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate other pathologies. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
The main differences
During the visual external 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 – round or thread-shaped with a thin base.
- Condylomas are growths of irregular shape. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.
Unlike papillomas, condylomas are often formed 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 determine the type of skin formations. These include:
- visual inspection;
- PCR, which allows determining the presence of HPV;
- genotyping. Analysis that determines the type of virus;
- histological diagnosis. Allows to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the possibility of malignant tumors.
Treatment methods
Under no circumstances should you remove warts on your own. Before the excision procedure, doctors recommend the following measures:
- take antiviral drugs. This makes it possible to suppress HPV activity;
- improve the function of the immune system - use 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 crust falls off, a scar forms in the affected area. This prompted specialists to look for other methods of cutting out growths.
- Chemical. Special medications containing strong acids are used to burn warts.
- Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperature. A significant disadvantage of using this method is the increased risk of recurrence.
- Radio waves. It is painless and quick.
- Using a laser. One of the newest means for removing skin growths. 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, the doctor can prescribe a special excision method.
Possible complications
If the pathology is not treated, the possibility of further infection increases, as a result of which the growths can spread to other areas of the skin and weaken the immune system quite significantly. Such growths are dangerous because they cause complications:
- formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
- papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
- bleeding. Typically after removal of papilloma hardware;
- infection. During the trauma of the neoplasm, the probability of infection increases;
- suppuration of tumors;
- ulcers Formed due to long-term friction against clothing;
- precancerous condition;
- cancer formations inside the body;
- risk of developing skin cancer;
- asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, difficulty breathing often appears. 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.