Human papillomavirus is a household infection. How can the human papillomavirus (HPV) be transmitted? The therapeutic complex includes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus that promotes active cell division in the body, which leads to the appearance of genital warts, warts and papillomas on the skin of the anorectal area. Today, it is known that there are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus, each of which has a different degree of oncogenicity.

The greatest danger of this infection is that the papilloma virus in women can cause the development of a malignant tumor of the cervix, vulva or anus. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of human papillomavirus infection can minimize the risk of developing cancer, especially of the cervix.

Considering the danger of this infection, we want to tell you where the human papillomavirus comes from, how human papillomavirus infection manifests itself and how to cure it. We will also introduce you to modern methods of diagnosis and prevention of human papillomavirus in women.

The type of human papillomavirus determines how the human papillomavirus infection will develop and manifest itself in the future, as well as the choice of treatment methods.

Human papillomaviruses are usually divided according to their degree of oncogenicity. Thus, all types of virus can be divided into three groups. HPV typing allows us to identify a group of patients at high risk of developing cancer.

The first group includes five types of non-oncogenic HPV, namely 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The listed types are not oncogenic, and therefore cannot cause cervical cancer.

The second group consists of human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 42, 43 and 44, which have a low degree of oncogenicity. By themselves, representatives of this group cannot cause cancer of the cervix, vulva or anus, but can pave the way for the appearance of malignant tumors.

The third group of HPV is considered the most dangerous, which consists of types 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 59 and 68. The listed types of HPV have the highest degree of oncogenicity. Almost 80% of women infected with these types of human papillomavirus will sooner or later develop cancer of the cervix, vulva or anus, and the risk of breast cancer also increases significantly.

Human papillomavirus in women: causes

The causative agent of papillomavirus infection is the DNA human papillomavirus. This virus penetrates not only the mucous layer, but also the deeper layers of the skin.

There are a number of factors that contribute to human papillomavirus infection, namely:

The routes of transmission of human papillomavirus can be as follows:

The main route of transmission is sexual. The infection can be transmitted to girls not only during unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse, but also during petting.

If a woman suffers from papillomavirus infection and there are condylomas or papillomas on the walls of the vagina or labia, then the child may also become infected with them during childbirth.

It is also possible to become infected with HPV through a handshake, personal hygiene items, pool water, sauna, etc.

Why is human papillomavirus dangerous in women?

The human papillomavirus, if the immune system is strong, is self-healing in 90% of cases. But in the presence of favorable conditions, which are created by the above factors, papillomavirus infection can transform into cancer of the vulva, cervix, labia or anus.

As we have already said, in 70% of women with cervical cancer, human papillomaviruses, which belong to the third group, were identified in their blood. HPV types 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous.

The human papillomavirus in women on the cervix requires immediate therapeutic measures to prevent the development of dysplasia and then cancer.

In addition, papillomavirus increases the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections, and can also be transmitted to a child during passage through the genital tract.

Each type of human papillomavirus has its own characteristics and specific symptoms. Let's look at them.

Human papillomavirus type 16 in women

Human papillomavirus 16 is a common type of HPV found in more than half of infected people. This type is highly oncogenic.

The pathogenesis of human papillomavirus infection caused by HPV 16 is that the pathogen invades the genome of the body's cells and blocks the processes of natural antitumor defense, as a result of which papillomas, condylomas or warts appear on the skin.

In women infected with HPV 16, gray or brown flat spots with a rough surface of various sizes appear on the skin of the genitals and anorectal area. Such rashes are called bowenoid papulosis.

The second sign of papullovirus infection caused by HPV 16 may be genital warts, which appear not only in the genital area, but also in the eyelids, thighs, neck, armpits, etc.

The most dangerous manifestation of HPV 16 is intraepithelial neoplasia of the cervical mucosa, which belongs to precancerous conditions.

Human papillomavirus type 18

HPV 18 is another oncogenic virus that, when integrated into the DNA of the cells of the human body, blocks the functioning of the immune system and promotes the formation of benign tumors. Such tumors are prone to malignancy.

Papillomavirus type 18 can cause cervical cancer in women. This trend has been proven by scientists who identified this type of virus in 70% of women with cervical cancer.

Signs of HPV 18 activation:

• genital warts on the skin of the genitals and anus. When injured, these tumors may bleed. Condylomas are most prone to malignancy;
• papillomas. These rounded neoplasms do not differ in color from the skin, but rise above its level. Most often, papillomas affect the skin of the axillary area and genitals, but in advanced cases they can spread to other areas.
• warts, round rashes that rise above the skin and are red or dark in color.

HPV 31 is not only dangerous, but also an insidious oncogenic virus, since it can persist in the body asymptomatically for a long time.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus infection appear when favorable conditions are created in the body, that is, the immune system weakens under the influence of various factors (hypothermia, hormonal imbalance, exacerbation of chronic diseases, acute infections, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.). Moreover, this type of virus is equally dangerous for both females and males.

Papillomavirus type 31 in women manifests itself as papillomas and condylomas in the genital and anorectal areas. There may also be vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, discomfort in the vagina, and others.

Human papillomavirus type 33

HPV 33 is another dangerous virus that can trigger a carcinogenic process.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus type 33 in women can manifest as warts on the genitals. The incubation period for this type of human papillomavirus infection is 12-16 weeks. After this time, genital warts with a wide stalk are detected on the labia, vaginal walls and cervix. A feature of condylomas caused by HPV 33 is that they do not have clear boundaries and a smooth surface.

This type of virus can also cause a precancerous condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Human papillomavirus type 35

Human papillomavirus type 35 in women can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• the formation of warts, which is more common in girls;
• genital warts, which occur on the genitals and tissues of the anorectal area. This type of neoplasm progresses very quickly, turning into large spots;
• Flat condylomas rarely appear with human papillomavirus infection type 35. But, nevertheless, this type of condylomas is dangerous because it often degenerates into a cancerous tumor.

The listed neoplasms are accompanied by severe itching, pain and discomfort. Women may also have symptoms of body intoxication in the form of fever, chills, excessive sweating and general weakness.

Human papillomavirus type 39 is also included in the group of viruses with a high risk of oncogenicity. It should be said that this type of virus is most dangerous for women, since men are mainly carriers of the infection.

Papillomavirus type 39 in women can cause the formation of both warts and papillomas or condylomas, which are prone to degeneration into malignant neoplasms. Most often, such neoplasms are localized on the walls of the vagina and cervical canal.

Human papillomavirus type 45

Papillomavirus type 45 in women is also highly oncogenic. Moreover, the first signs of human papillomavirus infection can appear even 20 years after infection.

During the course of human papillomavirus infection caused by type 45 virus, three stages are distinguished. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of genital warts and condylomas. The second stage of the disease is accompanied by dysplasia of the cervical epithelium. The most dangerous stage is the third stage, which is characterized by the development of cancer of the cervix, vulva or anus.

Human papillomavirus type 51

Symptoms of human papillomavirus type 51 in women appear already during the incubation period, which can last several years. During this period, women develop single genital warts, genital warts or flat condylomas. The classic localization of these neoplasms is the genitals (vaginal walls, cervix, labia minora and labia majora), but the process can also spread to the eyelids, inguinal and axillary areas.

What human papillomavirus infection type 51 looks like can be seen in the photos presented.

Human papillomavirus type 52

A peculiarity of human papillomavirus type 52 in women is that it is activated mainly during the period when the aging of the body begins (after 35 years).

This type of human papillomavirus infection is characterized by the same symptoms as other types, namely: warts and condylomas on the genitals, as well as cervical dysplasia.

Human papillomavirus type 56 is characterized by a short incubation period (up to three months).

Symptoms of papillomavirus type 56 in women appear at the end of the incubation period and are characterized by the formation of genital warts and genital warts on a thin stalk, which are localized on the walls of the vagina and cervix. In advanced cases, cervical dysplasia occurs, which is a precancerous condition.

Human papillomavirus type 59

A distinctive feature of human papillomavirus type 59 in women is that warts and condylomas affect not only the genitals, but also the anus and rectum, which increases the risk of developing anorectal cancer.

Warts reach quite large sizes (up to 10 mm) and have a rough surface and uneven edges, which can be seen in the photo.

Genital warts have a thin stalk and a pointed apex (see photo). The color of condylomas may differ from the color of the skin.

Papillomas are characterized by rapid growth and spread.

Skin rashes (condylomas, warts and papillomas) can be easily seen during external and internal gynecological examination (see photo).

Also, in the process of diagnosing HPV, colposcopy can be used - examination of the cervix with a special device - a colposcope, which allows you to enlarge the image several times and even display the image on a computer monitor.

But the most accurate diagnostic method is an analysis for the human papillomavirus, which is carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

PCR is used both to confirm the presence of human papillomavirus in the female body and to identify its type.

The “gold standard” for diagnosing HPV is the Digene Test, which determines the number of viral bodies in the body. Knowing the number of viruses in the body, you can estimate the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Also, all patients with suspected HPV are prescribed a cytological examination.

How to treat human papillomavirus in women?

Treatment of human papillomavirus in women can be conservative and surgical.

Tablets against human papillomavirus should have both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. The following medications are considered the most effective today:

Monotherapy with these drugs is rarely used. Basically, one medicine is combined with another, for example, Allokin-alpha is prescribed systemically, and Epigen-intim cream is prescribed locally. Therapy is also supplemented with immunomodulators, such as Likopid, Immunomax and others.

Since genital warts, papillomas, genital warts and cervical dysplasia increase the risk of developing cancer, they are removed using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which include the following:

• electrocoagulation;
• laser removal;
• cryodestruction;
• chemotherapy;
• removal by radio waves and others.

In severe cases, cervical amputation may be used.

Is there specific prevention of human papillomavirus?

Today in our country two vaccinations against human papillomavirus in women are certified, namely: Gardasil and Cervarix.

These vaccines protect the body from HPV types 16 and 18, which most often cause cervical cancer. In developed countries of America and Europe, these vaccines are included in the vaccination schedule for girls. For example, in Germany, vaccination against HPV is indicated for all girls over 12 years of age. Vaccination is carried out in three stages.

In Russia, the vaccine can be purchased at pharmacy chains. The average cost of the drug is 7,200 rubles.

Most people do not see the potential danger in the appearance of small epithelial tumors on the body, but papillomas are not just a cosmetic defect. In some cases they can lead to irreversible consequences. The growths appear as a result of infection with HPV - a highly contagious virus that has more than 100 genotypes, and some of its types can provoke the development of oncological processes. It is easy to become infected with papillomavirus, so in order to avoid infection you should know how the human papillomavirus is transmitted and what factors contribute to the spread of virions.

There is a tendency that in families where there is one virus carrier, in 50-70% of cases, the people around him become infected. The main danger is that the infection, having entered the body, does not immediately manifest itself, so a person may not know about the infection for a long time and continue to be in close contact with relatives.

The absence of external manifestations of HPV does not guarantee that an infected person is absolutely safe for his close circle.

Infection through household contact

A virus carrier can transmit a pathogenic virion (viral particle) to a healthy person through:

1. Ordinary tactile contact, for example, hugs, handshakes. The likelihood of contracting HPV increases if there are skin lesions (even small wounds, abrasions or scratches are enough for the infection to penetrate a healthy body);
2. Using personal items of a sick person. Viral particles can live for a long time on bedding, towels, underwear, washcloths and other daily use products;
3. While kissing. HPV DNA is not only found on the epithelium, it is present in all biological fluids of an infected person, and can therefore be transmitted through saliva during a kiss.

In addition, you can become infected with HPV when visiting public places such as a sauna, swimming pool, fitness center, where there are large crowds of people, many of whom neglect basic rules of protection. Therefore, you need to use exclusively personal hygiene and household products.

Sexual transmission of the virus

The most common route of transmission of human papillomavirus infection is through sexual contact. If one partner, whether a man or a woman, is a virus carrier, then it is enough to have sexual intercourse once to become infected with HPV (infection occurs in 95% of cases).

The virus is transmitted through any type of sexual interaction, be it oral, vaginal or anal sex, while the presence of condylomas in the partner’s anogenital area increases the risk of infection by up to 100%.

It is interesting that even a condom cannot completely protect against possible infection:

1. Firstly, papillomatous rashes can be localized not only on the genitals, but also in the groin and anus. Therefore, upon contact with unprotected areas of the body, the virus can easily be transmitted from one partner to another;
2. Secondly, the latex from which the condom is made has fairly large pores. Viral particles penetrate through them unhindered.

Infection with oncogenically dangerous types of papillomavirus occurs mainly during sexual contact. If the carcinogenic type of HPV is transmitted to women, they develop neoplasia, which can develop into cervical cancer.

Despite the fact that oncological pathologies of the genital organs are less common in men, the presence of genital papillomas increases the risk of malignancy. If infection with a carcinogenic virus occurs during oral sex, the likelihood of developing tonsillar cancer increases.

Vertical infection (from mother to child)

Children can become infected with papillomavirus in the womb or immediately at the very moment of birth (during passage through the natural birth canal). Moreover, if a mother’s HPV progresses (is in the active phase), then the risk of infection of the baby increases.

Intrauterine infection is extremely rare, since the placenta is able to protect the embryo from many pathogenic factors, including viral infections. Cases of HPV transmission to a baby during passage through the birth canal of an infected mother are recorded somewhat more often.

At the time of birth, the child’s mucous membranes of the larynx and trachea are affected, which subsequently leads to recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). This is a dangerous pathology that poses a threat to the baby’s life. Over the course of 1-2 years, children with RRP develop benign neoplasms of the trachea and larynx, which block the airways and cause suffocation.

In such a situation, only surgical removal of papillomatous growths will help, however, even after destruction, tumors usually reappear. Parents whose children suffer from RRP need to carefully monitor the state of their immune system, since decreased immunity increases the risk of relapse.

Some women preparing to become mothers worry that the papillomavirus can be inherited by the child, but this is not the case. The routes of infection are described above; the hereditary factor is completely excluded - HPV is a virus that is not transmitted genetically.

Autoinoculation method of infection

Self-infection (autoinoculation) is a fairly common type of infection. An infected person should understand that any trauma to tumors can trigger the formation of additional growths.

Papillomas localized on the face, neck, armpits or groin are often cut off with a razor, scratched, or torn during hygiene procedures. When the integrity of the growth is disrupted, blood leaks out of it and flows into healthy neighboring areas of the body. Since viral particles are present in all biological fluids of the patient, blood entering the clean epithelium causes the spread of infection and the formation of multiple papillomatous rashes.

In addition, when scratching the growths with nails, particles of pathogenic epithelium remain under the plates, which also often contributes to self-infection. For example, after a person has scratched a papilloma with his nails and he suddenly decides to scratch his ear or nose, then if there is even the slightest damage to the epithelium, the virus will definitely “settle” in it, and then manifest itself as characteristic growths.

After introduction into the body, activation of HPV is not observed immediately; the virus requires certain conditions for full functioning.

When and what triggers HPV activation

How quickly and actively the papillomavirus begins to behave after infection is determined by the immune status of the infected person. HPV is part of the group of immune-dependent viruses, so it is during a decrease in immune defense that its activation occurs.

The body of a healthy person, even after infection, is able to produce a sufficient amount of antibodies to fully resist viral attacks. In such people, the disease proceeds latently (in dormant mode), so there are no epithelial tumors on the body.

When the immune system is weakened, it produces a significantly smaller amount of antibodies that cannot independently suppress the virus, and then HPV becomes active with the formation of a papillomatous rash. The following unfavorable factors can provoke the transition of papillomavirus into the active phase:

• any recently suffered pathologies of an infectious nature;
• long-term use of oral contraception;
• uncontrolled use of cytostatic drugs (suppress the immune system);
• dysfunction in the endocrine system;
• pathological condition of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular intestinal dysbiosis;

• psycho-emotional disorders associated with frequent stress, nervousness, fatigue;
• helminth infestations;
• frequent inflammatory skin diseases;
• presence of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs).

Any factors that reduce the efficiency of the human immune system can cause HPV activation.

The formation of the first growths is a reason to consult a doctor. There is no need to self-medicate, since in some cases inadequate therapy for papillomas leads to the development of cancerous tumors.

Treatment of papillomavirus

Since drugs that can cure papillomavirus have not yet been invented, it is impossible to completely remove it from the body for a person after 30 years of age. Cases of HPV elimination are recorded only in young people under 25 years of age.

Treatment of papillomatosis is carried out in three directions:

• suppression of viral activity (returning it to a latent state) by taking antiviral drugs;
• increasing the patient’s immune status through the use of interferon drugs;
• destruction of pathological neoplasms using minimally invasive hardware techniques;
• cytostatic drugs are prescribed when there is a high probability of malignancy of papillomas (they disrupt the process of division of atypical cells).

Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor can be for oral, topical, injection, or rectal use:

1. Tablets (oral use)– Groprinosin, Novirin, Isoprinosine;
2. Gels, ointments (external use)– Aldara, Bonafton, Malavit, Oksolin;
3. Injections (shots)– Cycloferon, Allokin-Alpha;
4. Suppositories (rectal suppositories)– Laferobion, Galavit, Betadine.

Immunomodulator drugs can also be prescribed in different forms, most often these are tablets and gels for external treatment of tumors - Panavir, Viferon, Likopid, Immunomax, others.

Cytostatics are prescribed if, after diagnosis, it is determined that papillomatous rashes are provoked by a highly oncogenic type of HPV - these are drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil, Vinblastine, and others.

Destructive techniques that are most often used to remove pathological tumors are:

1. Electrocoagulation– cauterization of growths with electric current. The procedure is painful and leaves noticeable scars;
2. Cryotherapy– the papilloma freezes under the influence of liquid nitrogen, leaving no traces behind, but the procedure is recommended for removing small superficial tumors;
3. Laser destruction– suitable for removing superficial and deep papillomas, a good cosmetic effect makes it possible to use on open parts of the body;
4. Radio wave technique– non-contact removal of growths is carried out, with a short recovery period, there are no traces or scars after the intervention.

After completing the course of treatment, do not forget about preventive medical examinations. It is necessary to periodically (preferably every year) test for HPV, and also carefully monitor the state of the immune system.

Video on topic

Infection with HPV means that one or more of 100 different types of viruses enter the human body, causing the development of warts in different parts of the body. Due to the fact that papilloma infection is asymptomatic, suspicions that there is a virus in the body appear immediately after the growth of warts. And doctors learned about how the human papillomavirus is infected only at the beginning of the last century.

Human papillomavirus (HPV): routes and methods of infection

HPV is contagious due to its ability to resist immunity for a relatively long time. Also, the virus can quickly make a large number of copies of itself in the host cell. The infection process itself is very simple: the virus penetrates the body, namely into the cells of the basal layer of the skin. Since the easiest way to become infected with HPV is through sexual intercourse, the infection spreads directly to the moist mucous membrane. Such an environment is very conducive to accelerated viral DNA replication. It is known for certain that developed benign papillomas are contagious and can ultimately develop into cancerous ones. However, the detailed mechanisms of malignancy are still not understood. There is a certain trigger that provokes damage to the DNA of the virus and somehow exposes the mutated cell to replication.

In most cases, infection with the human papillomavirus occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse. Vaginal and anal sexual intercourse are equally dangerous. It is also possible to become infected with HPV during oral sex (especially if the mucous membranes of the genitals or mouth have been damaged). How else do you get papilloma? Despite the fact that in most cases the papillomavirus enters the body through sexual contact, there are several other possible ways to contract the infection. For example, the virus can be transmitted after direct contact of healthy skin with infected mucous membranes or warts. However, for a long time, doctors answered negatively to the question “is it possible to become infected with HPV through household contacts?” This is due to the fact that several factors must coincide at once for infection:

• there should be microtraumas on the skin;
• no disinfectants were used before or after contact;
• the carrier of the infection did not take antiviral drugs.

For example, if both people have damaged oral mucosa, and one of them is a carrier, then even an ordinary kiss can be dangerous, as you can become infected with human papilloma (HPV). The papillomavirus is also contagious to the fetus. An infected mother can pass HPV to her baby during the birth process. Since the newborn’s immunity is quite weak, the infection quickly manifests itself in the form of warts in the throat or mouth (the diagnosis from a medical point of view sounds like laryngeal papillomatosis). Since HPV infection occurs precisely during the baby’s passage through the birth canal, some experts recommend abandoning natural childbirth in favor of a cesarean section.

Very often, dermatologists are asked the question: “is it possible to become infected with papilloma by exchanging personal belongings with a patient?” Doctors admit this possibility, but emphasize that official studies have not confirmed this theory. Condoms also do not guarantee complete safety. Due to the fact that the size of the virus is almost ten times smaller than the distance between the molecular pores of latex, condoms only reduce the likelihood of HPV infection, but do not provide complete protection.

How to avoid getting infected with papillomavirus?

Knowing how you can become infected with papillomavirus, you also need to remember methods of protecting yourself from infection. The most radical, but at the same time effective method is refusal of any sexual activity. Of course, condoms can act as a protective measure, but as mentioned above, they do not completely eliminate the possibility that the human papillomavirus will enter the body. Infection is possible even during petting, so you can completely protect yourself from infection only by refusing any sexual contact. However, such a radical method is resorted to only by those who already have serious problems with the immune system (for example, patients who have undergone organ transplantation, infected with HIV/AIDS, or suffering from cancer). For the rest, we can recommend minimizing the number of sexual partners. Studies have shown that an eight-month interval between sexual partners allows the body to recover and destroy possible foreign organisms.

Also, studies have shown that men who have undergone circumcision have a reduced risk of HPV infection. The routes and methods of infection with other sexually transmitted infections are quite similar, so circumcision will be a good prevention in general. Those who are concerned about whether HPV is contagious through household contact should be especially wary of people who have multiple warts. There is a small chance that the infection can spread to a healthy person after the growth touches the skin with microtraumas. If such contact does occur, then it is worth treating the skin with an alcohol solution and taking an antiviral agent. But it happens that warts are not visible to the naked eye (especially if they are located on the sole or between the toes). When exchanging shoes, or walking in public baths or swimming pools barefoot, there is a small chance that a papilloma will appear. In this case, methods of infection are classified as domestic. For prevention, it is enough to wear only your own shoes, or put on socks, and also purchase special slippers and shoe covers for those places where it is recommended to walk barefoot. Such simple rules are also effective in combating fungal diseases.

Diagnosis and prevention of infection

Having learned whether papilloma is contagious, the question arises - how to identify it in time. Anyone who is sexually active is advised to have a regular cervical smear, or PAP test. A simple and virtually painless procedure will allow you to quickly detect not only the presence of the virus in the body, but also determine the initial signs of cancer. In order to take a smear, a laboratory technician or nurse will use a special device to dilate the vagina or urethra (if a man is being examined), and then insert a small brush. Having made two or three forward movements, the specialist will collect the necessary material for study. Young girls and boys aged 9 to 25 years may be offered vaccination to prevent human papillomavirus infection. The liquid used for vaccination contains modified viral DNA. They will not be able to cause the development of warts, but at the same time they will force the body to produce antibodies to fight the infection. In this way, a specific immunity is formed, which is activated as soon as the real virus enters the body. However, you need to prepare for the fact that quite unpleasant side effects may develop after vaccination, such as:

• headache;
• severe dizziness;
• sharp abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• pain at the puncture site;
• muscle pain.

The vaccines used are Cervarix and Gardasil.

According to experts, about 70% of the inhabitants of our planet are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). But clinical manifestations of the disease in the form of papillomas on the skin of the body or genital warts on the mucous membranes of the genital organs are much less common, only in approximately 2% of cases after infection. To prevent infection from entering the body, you need to know how HPV is transmitted. Information on how to behave correctly if it is confirmed that you are a carrier of a harmful virus may also be useful.

Today, more than 100 different strains of the dangerous virus are known. Some types of microorganisms do not pose a threat to human health, but there are also those that can lead to cell degeneration, which can trigger the development of cancer. Therefore, the question of how the human papillomavirus is transmitted is very relevant.

Features of HPV

Most microorganisms of this type are not dangerous. Many strains of viruses, with weak protective reactions, can provoke the appearance of unaesthetic, benign growths on the skin.

But there are also dangerous oncogenic types of viruses that can cause the development of cancer in humans. In women, for example, dangerous microorganisms often cause cancer of the female organs.

Papillomaviruses multiply in the basal layer of the skin and this explains how you can become infected with HPV. Namely, with any skin damage, infection can occur through contact.

Papillomaviruses are unstable, so they cannot exist outside the cells of the human body. Oncogenic microorganisms are conventionally divided into the following types:

• Safe from the point of view of the risk of developing malignant tumors. In this case, the disease is asymptomatic.
• Low risk, when after infection genital formations arise, in which mutational changes can very rarely occur.

• High risk, when increased activity of microorganisms leads to malignant degeneration of cells. As a rule, such oncogenic agents lead to cervical cancer, and in men, penile cancer is possible.

Papillomavirus with reduced immunity manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• Various warts all over the body.
• Genital condylomas on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
• Papillomatosis of the mouth and larynx.
• Papillomas on internal organs.

Methods of infection

The danger is that with strong immunity, a person does not even suspect that he is a carrier of papillomavirus infection. The routes of infection are so diverse that the virus can enter the body of any person unnoticed. There are two mechanisms of HPV infection:

• Contact.
• Vertical, during labor, from mother to child.

You can become infected with HPV through contact:

• Through a kiss and a handshake.
• When using someone else's hygiene products, in particular, washcloths, towels or cosmetics.
• When visiting public baths, saunas and swimming pools.

Methods of transmission of the virus through household means are almost always associated with non-compliance with hygiene rules. But despite this, it is difficult to protect yourself 100% from them. After all, the virus can be transmitted randomly.

For example, when there is a crack on a child’s lip, it is likely that a harmful microorganism can pass from parents to children with a simple kiss. Although, of course, such methods of infection are very rare and cannot be excluded.

Sexual infection

To the question whether HPV is sexually transmitted, the answer is yes. Moreover, it has been proven that dangerous oncogenic microorganisms are transmitted in this way. People who are promiscuous in their sexual partners are more likely to become infected.

Representatives of sexual minorities are often interested in the question of whether HPV is transmitted through homosexual relations. During unconventional sex, mucous membranes are often injured, which means that papillomaviruses can easily enter the body.

You should know that you can become infected even through a condom. Of course, when using a protective agent, the risks of infection are reduced. But in this case there is no 100% guarantee, so infection through a condom is detected very often, as well as through saliva during oral sex.

Adherents of promiscuous sexual relations, in order to avoid infection through a condom, can be advised to choose high-quality means of protection and avoid rough sex, which can compromise the integrity of the product.

It is quite natural to ask whether the human papillomavirus is transmitted from a man during sexual intercourse. On the other hand, there is a similar question, whether it is possible to become infected from a woman.

According to statistics, the most frequently recorded cases are when an infected man is the source of infection. But the opposite situation is quite possible, when the papilloma virus is transmitted to a partner from a woman. Factors that may contribute to sexually transmitted infections include the following:

• Early experience of sexual activity, when local immunity on the mucous membrane of the genital organs is in the stage of formation.
• Inconsistency in sexual preferences, which forces you to often change partners.
• The presence of genital warts in one of the partners on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Infection of a child from the mother

A very common question is how do infants become infected? The thing is that if a pregnant woman is infected, then there is a high risk of infecting the child. Moreover, the routes of transmission of infection can be different:

• The viral microorganism can be transmitted transplacentally, that is, the baby can be infected at any time during intrauterine development for any reason. This method of infection is rare.
• Infection can occur directly during childbirth, when the baby becomes infected while passing through the birth canal. In this case, there is a high probability of infection.

In newborns, after infection, due to weak immunity, the harmful microorganism quickly penetrates the mucous membranes and provokes the formation of growths. Most often, papillomatosis of the larynx, trachea and bronchi develops, which can cause the child to suffocate.

Women with genital warts on the genitals are recommended to undergo a course of treatment before conceiving a child. It is important to get rid of the clinical manifestations of a viral infection. The absence of obvious symptoms means that the disease has become latent and the threats to the unborn child are minimized.

It is important to maintain a good immune system during pregnancy. After all, clinical manifestations in the form of growths on the skin occur only when the protective reactions in the body decrease. They are dangerous because they indicate that the human papillomavirus infection is beginning to spread throughout the body.

Prerequisites for infection

Carriers do not always develop obvious symptoms of the disease: condylomas or papillomas. Papillomaviruses are very insidious by nature. They are capable of remaining in the human body for a long time and their clinical manifestations can occur only after the body’s natural protective reactions have decreased. Is the person who is carrying the infection contagious?

It is believed that the likelihood of infection at home from a carrier in the absence of obvious symptoms is minimal. Viruses transmitted from a carrier of infection can enter the body through wounds or cuts, and in the absence of skin lesions, the possibility of infection can be completely excluded.

But, on the other hand, you can always become infected with papillomaviruses transmitted through sexual relations, regardless of whether symptoms of the disease are present on the skin or mucous membranes.

In any case, the likelihood of infection increases with the spread of infection in the human body, which is manifested by an increase in the number of different types of growths. This occurs due to decreased immunity, which can occur for various reasons, namely:

• With the development of dysbiosis or other intestinal diseases of an infectious nature.
• In case of exacerbation of any chronic diseases.
• After hypothermia and colds.
• Due to harmful working conditions, which force a person to work for wear and tear and harm overall health.
• For HIV infection.
• During the acute stages of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
• Against the background of stressful conditions.
• With an unhealthy lifestyle, addictions and an unbalanced diet.

To prevent infection with papillomavirus infection, it is necessary to immediately treat all lesions on the skin with antiseptic drugs. The disease, which is transmitted in different ways, is very dangerous, therefore, to prevent infection, you should remain faithful to one partner whom you completely trust. And of course, it is necessary to constantly maintain the immune system in good condition, which will become a reliable barrier to viruses.

» Are papillomas transmitted from person to person?

How is human papillomavirus transmitted?

Papilloma belongs to the group of viral diseases and is manifested by the formation of growths on the skin and mucous membranes.

Some types of neoplasms pose a serious danger to humans.

Therefore, to avoid infection, you need to know how papilloma is transmitted and follow simple rules of prevention.

What it is

The human papillomavirus is part of a group of viruses belonging to the papillomavirus family.

This group includes 5 genera, about 43 species, more than 170 types.

Human papillomavirus is one of the most common groups. About 60% of the world's population are its carriers.

The danger lies not only in the question “is the virus contagious,” but also in the fact that the infected person may not feel any symptoms and may not even suspect that the virus has entered his body.

Papillomaviruses live and actively reproduce in the basal layer of the skin. At the same time, they are capable of spreading from one organism to another.

It has been proven that the virus can develop for a short time in the external environment, but usually its entire life cycle takes place inside the cell.

Most types of the virus are not dangerous to human health, but there are types with oncogenic properties that can cause the occurrence of malignant or benign tumors.

They can be classified as follows:

• safe (if we consider the likelihood of developing cancer). They occur without pronounced symptoms and are not dangerous to the human body;
• low risk. When they enter the body, genital warts occur in 90% of cases. Cell mutation can be observed in isolated cases;
• high risk. In the presence of certain factors, they can cause the development of cervical cancer and provoke the degeneration of cells into atypical ones.

There are viruses that are transmitted from person to person, but there are also types that exist in the bodies of birds and animals, but do not pose a danger to humans.

Photo

Methods of infection

Given the prevalence of the virus, it is necessary to know how papilloma is transmitted.

• HPV can be transmitted by contact or vertical (from mother to fetus during pregnancy) method.
• Contact includes the contact-household and sexual routes.
• Can you get a virus through a kiss? This is also possible if the infected person has condylomas caused by HPV in the oral cavity.
• The fetus can become infected through a damaged placenta. Laboratory studies revealed the likelihood of infection due to toxicosis.

Prerequisites for infection

The papilloma virus can be transmitted both sexually and through household contact.

• In the latter case, ordinary communication with a human carrier does not always lead to infection. One of the conditions under which the likelihood of infection increases significantly is a violation of the barrier function of the mucous membrane and skin. The risk of infection is high when there are scratches, cuts, wounds, and abrasions on the skin.
• Due to a decrease in general and local immunity, the body's defense reactions worsen. With insufficient production of class A antibodies, the normal functioning of the immune system is disrupted, and the body's susceptibility to viruses and infections increases.

Various sexually transmitted infectious diseases can act as a provoking factor contributing to infection with papillomavirus: chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, etc.

The standard manifestation of papillomavirus in such a situation is the appearance of condylomas on the genitals.

Deterioration of immunity indicators is observed against the background of disturbances in the microflora of the vagina and intestines. The immune system of people with HIV is severely affected.

The papillomavirus is activated under the following conditions:

• the presence of dysbacteriosis and intestinal diseases of an infectious nature;
• acute stage of any chronic diseases;
• poor working conditions;
• hypothermia;
• congenital immunodeficiency condition;
• acute stages of infectious and non-infectious diseases;
• stressful conditions;
• poor nutrition.

The course of HPV is characterized by a long incubation period.

After infection, it may take several years for symptoms to appear, which become more pronounced during a period of weakened immunity.

Ways of transmission of papilloma

The papilloma virus is transmitted through household contact:

• through handshakes;
• through general personal hygiene products (soap, towels, etc.);
• due to trying on someone else's clothes (you should never wear someone else's underwear);
• when visiting public baths, saunas.

The sexual route of infection is especially dangerous, since the risk of infection with the oncogenic subtype of the virus is high.

People who have a large number of sexual partners are most at risk.

• This also applies to men who are prone to homosexual relations, since during such sexual intercourse there is a high probability of injury to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Also, the likelihood of transmitting the virus to each other during sexual intercourse increases if the partner has genital warts - they are easy to injure and are very contagious.

Human papillomavirus in women who are expecting a child can be transmitted to the fetus.

• During pregnancy, this occurs in rare cases; usually the child becomes infected while passing through the birth canal.
• It should be noted that the virus is inherited from mother to child only if there are external manifestations of the disease on the genitals. Infection of children at birth is accompanied by laryngeal papillomatosis, which is characterized by serious impairment of respiratory function.
• There is also a possibility of infection during breastfeeding.

Photo: infection of a newborn during childbirth

How to recognize HPV

This human virus causes changes in cells, as a result of which they divide, leading to the appearance of tumors (warts).

• At a young age, warts most often appear on the fingers, elbows, and knees. These are non-cancerous formations, dense to the touch, the color of which can vary from light to black. Their size is about 1 cm in diameter.
• At older ages, HPV manifests itself by the formation of papillomas. They are soft and attached to the skin with a stem. As a rule, their color matches the color of the skin, but sometimes they can be dark brown.

Most often, papillomas are located on the following areas of the body: face, neck, armpits, genitals.

• In men, neoplasms can occur on any part of the penis, and sometimes the presence of a virus can affect the condition of the urethra, causing difficulty urinating and pain.
• When the virus enters the female body, neoplasms appear on the mucous membranes of the external genitalia. Sometimes they can be found on the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Human papillomavirus can affect the cervix, urethra, vagina, and anus.

Looking at photos of people with HPV, you can see how much neoplasms can spoil the appearance, although the main danger lies in their possible degeneration into malignant tumors. Doctors advise that when papillomas are detected, they conduct studies to determine their oncogenicity and remove them.

What types of HPV are the most dangerous?

Even those who know how the human papillomavirus is transmitted cannot always avoid infection.

However, you should not panic if you are diagnosed with this condition. First you need to find out the genotype of the virus - some of them are safe for humans.

90% of those infected were diagnosed with HPV-6 and HPV-11, which are characterized by low carcinogenic risks.

The most dangerous strains are: HPV-16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59.

Video: “Colposcopy”

Features of the course in women

90% of women who die from cervical cancer are diagnosed with HPV.

• The virus often develops against the background of inflammation affecting the genitals. These may be: vulvovaginitis, endocervicitis, pseudo-erosion of the cervix.
• It is often combined with diseases such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes.

The main symptoms of papillomavirus in women include:

• itching and burning in the genitals;
• specific secretions;
• difficulty urinating;
• unpleasant sensation during sexual intercourse;
• proliferation and fusion of condylomas on the genitals.

Photo: proliferation of condylomas on the genital mucosa

Genital warts can occur on the vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, anus, rectum and perineum.

• These manifestations of HPV not only look unattractive, but also cause discomfort: pain, itching, and may bleed.
• The detection of cervical intraepithelial dysplasia with HPV indicates the development of a cancerous process.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out by taking tests and conducting laboratory tests.

Which doctor treats papillomas in women? Find out here.

The following methods can be used:

• colposcopy;
• biopsy.

An effective diagnostic method is the PCR method.

It allows you to obtain an analysis for each type of virus, as well as determine the number of DNA copies in the research material.

Thanks to the accuracy of this method, specialists can identify the severity of the disease and make a prognosis.

You need to prepare for the tests.

The patient should not have sexual activity, drink alcohol or take antiviral drugs for several days.

• Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a special microscope. The cervix is ​​lubricated with a solution of acetic acid, which reveals papillomas, and they become clearly visible.
• During a biopsy, an area of ​​affected tissue is taken for examination. This material is subsequently stained and examined. Biopsy is a highly accurate research method that can be used in combination with histology and cytology.

Treatment

Unfortunately, it is not known how HPV can be treated with medications.

• Therefore, the only treatment option today is removal of papillomas.
• Medicines are prescribed only as maintenance therapy (immunomodulators) and to reduce the likelihood of the formation of new papillomas (interferons). Viferon, cycloferon, reaferon can be used.

Direct removal can be carried out using several methods:

• electrocoagulation;
• laser;
• radio waves.

The electrocoagulation method involves using high-frequency current.

• After treating the papilloma with it, a crust forms, which comes off on its own after a few days.
• The method is used to remove tumors located on the face and neck.

Laser removal is also common, but it has a number of disadvantages.

• Firstly, a removed papilloma cannot be examined.
• Secondly, scars may form at the site of removal.

The most modern is the radio wave method.

This is a safe, painless method, after which there are no marks left on the body.

The cryodestruction method for removing papillomas is based on the use of liquid nitrogen.

• The areas of tissue that need to be removed are flash frozen. In this case, minor discomfort may occur.
• The entire area of ​​dead skin is sloughed off 2-6 weeks after treatment.

Prevention

Realizing the prevalence of the virus, I want to not only find out whether papillomas are contagious, but also what can be done to avoid infection.

Specific

As a preventive method, a special vaccine can be used that reduces the risk of infection with common highly oncogenic types of HPV.

It is used mainly for prevention in women. As a rule, it is recommended to do it between the ages of 9 and 25 years.

It is believed that even if the virus has already entered the body, the vaccine can inactivate it and increase immunity.
Is red papilloma dangerous?

Which papillomavirus is more dangerous, 16 or 18? Find out here.

How to get rid of papillomas and warts? Read on.

Nonspecific

Methods of nonspecific prevention include basic rules of personal hygiene and proper lifestyle:

• if the integrity of the skin is damaged, they must be treated;
• You cannot use other people’s personal hygiene products;
• in public saunas the use of rubber slippers is recommended;
• any disease should not be allowed to progress to the chronic stage;
• relationship with a regular sexual partner;
• using a condom;
• hardening and moderate physical activity;
• proper and regular nutrition.

Following these simple rules will help to significantly reduce the risk of infection with papillomavirus and protect your body from its penetration.

Routes of transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus is a highly contagious virus and, according to statistics, 50 to 70% of the population is infected with it. However, clinical manifestations of infection are not very common, occurring in approximately 1-2% of cases. A person does not even realize that he is a carrier of HPV until a decrease in immunity occurs and the virus becomes more active. Knowing the main modes of transmission of HPV can help you protect yourself from unwanted symptoms. So, HPV – how is the disease transmitted? All possible transmission routes will be discussed below.

Papilloma: how is it transmitted and what is it?

Currently, about 100 different varieties of the virus are known. Among them there are both harmless to humans and dangerous in terms of the development of cancer. The following facts can be reassuring: viruses that cause the formation of warts and papillomas belong to subtypes 6 and 11, which have a low carcinogenic risk. Oncogenic subtypes include strains 16 and 18, which provoke cell mutation and cervical cancer.

The papilloma virus multiplies exclusively in the cells of the skin and mucous membranes, causing their uncontrolled division. As a result, a person develops the following clinical manifestations:

• various warts (common, flat, plantar);
• genital warts;
• papillomatosis of the mouth and larynx;
• papillomas of internal organs.

The role of the virus in the development of cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men has been proven, so it is important to know how the papillomavirus is transmitted in order to prevent infection.

Human papillomavirus: routes of transmission

It is impossible to independently detect the presence of a virus in the body if there are no characteristic growths on the skin or mucous membranes. Specialized medical tests will allow you to identify dormant pathology. The absence of symptoms does not guarantee that a person is not dangerous to others.

How is papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted? Doctors identify several methods.

Contact and household path

HPV is transmitted through household contact. It is worth noting that it is rare, but this option of obtaining human papillomavirus infection (PVI) still has a right to exist. You can become infected by shaking hands, using common household items - towels, slippers, wearing someone else's clothes, especially underwear. Often infection occurs when visiting a swimming pool or fitness center. The microscopic organism is so highly active that HPV is transmitted through saliva and kissing.

The risk of infection increases if there are abrasions, scratches, microcracks, or various wounds on the skin. People with characteristic manifestations of the disease - warts and papillomas - are especially contagious.

A fairly common question: will washing your hands regularly reduce the risk of infection? Of course, clean skin is more protected. However, hygiene measures do not protect against infection with papillomavirus.

Is papillomavirus (HPV) sexually transmitted?

One sexual contact is enough to infect a person. HPV is transmitted through oral, vaginal and anal sex.

More often, the infection comes from a man, but the opposite situation is also possible, when reverse infection with HPV is recorded - from a woman to a man.

Predisposing factors are:

• early entry into intimate relationships at a young age;
• frequent change of sexual partners, because do not forget that papillomavirus is sexually transmitted;
• the presence of genital warts on the genitals.

Papilloma is also transmitted sexually through homosexual intercourse, during which minor injuries to the skin and mucous membranes of the anal area occur. This significantly increases the risk of infection, especially if one of the partners has external manifestations of the disease - anogenital warts.

Is the human papillomavirus transmitted through protected sex? Unfortunately yes. HPV is transmitted through a condom, since invisible condylomas can be located in the groin area unprotected by the product. Using a condom greatly reduces the risk of infection, but does not provide a complete guarantee of safety. Despite this, using a condom is recommended for all people who have multiple sexual partners.

HPV is easily transmitted through oral sex. At the same time, the risk of developing tonsillar cancer increases, especially if a person becomes infected with oncogenic strains.

Papillomavirus: transmission from mother to child (vertical method)

Many pregnant women worry - is HPV transmitted from mother to child? Unfortunately, this route of infection does occur, and infection can occur both transplacentally (in the prenatal period) and during childbirth. If the first option is an incredible rarity, then when a baby passes through an infected birth canal, the child can receive papillomavirus with a high degree of probability.

Infection of the larynx, bronchi and trachea in a newborn is possible. The virus penetrates the mucous membranes and stimulates the formation of growths. Laryngeal papillomatosis can lead to stenosis and suffocation of the child, especially if the vocal cords are affected. Any infection or cold leads to swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and in the presence of concomitant papillomas, this results in difficulty in inhaling and exhaling.

A natural question arises: is it possible to protect a baby from infection through a caesarean section? The operation does not guarantee the health of the baby, since the papillomavirus is transmitted from mother to child in this case as well. You should not resort to caesarean section unless absolutely necessary, although this method is also used for multiple condylomas.

Members of the same family often have warts or papillomas on the body, but hereditary factors have nothing to do with it. Can HPV be transmitted to the child through close contact between parents and children? The fact is that people living under the same roof become infected from each other. However, parents should be reassured: HPV is not inherited.

Self-infection (autoinoculation)

Is papillomavirus transmitted through self-infection? Definitely yes. Infection occurs during shaving, cutting nails, and epilating. Children often pick at warts and can tear them off or scratch them. In this mode of transmission of HPV, the process spreads to neighboring tissues and causes the virus to multiply in them.

Papillomavirus (transmission routes can be quite unusual) can be transmitted by airborne droplets. But this is an extremely rare option. To date, only a few cases of infection of hospital medical personnel have been recorded during HPV treatment operations and while caring for patients.

HPV: features of transmission depending on gender

HPV in women - how is the infection transmitted in this case? Most often, human papillomavirus infection enters the female body through sexual contact, including oral and anal sex. Many ladies get PVI during their first sexual experience.

How and is HPV transmitted to men? Being male in no way becomes a barrier to getting the disease: PVI in men is also diagnosed very often. The only difference is that for a long time the pathology occurs in a latent form and hence latent carriage.

Risk factors

Even if a person is infected with papillomavirus, this does not necessarily mean that he will develop condylomas or warts. The virus is insidious in that it can exist in the body for a long time without revealing itself. When favorable factors occur, namely decreased immunity and others, the activation of virions begins. Factors that provoke the awakening of the virus include:

Antiviral protection weakens in the presence of other infections with sexual transmission: chlamydia, ureplasmosis, erased form of gonorrhea, trichomoniasis. Knowing that human papilloma (how the virus is most often transmitted has been discussed in some detail) is contagious helps protect yourself and your loved ones from the “uninvited guest.”

The following factors predispose to the disease:

• childbirth at a young age;
• deficiency of folic acid and antioxidants;
• low economic standard of living;
• social maladjustment.

As practice shows, women from disadvantaged families are less likely to seek help from a gynecologist, so cervical cancer in this population group is detected at a later stage. If women were informed about the full danger of HPV types 16 and 18 (many people know how the disease is transmitted), then they would be more careful when choosing a sexual partner.

Diagnosis and prevention of PVI

Usually, a doctor, knowing how human papillomavirus is transmitted, can make a diagnosis during the initial examination of the patient. However, the presence of skin growths and genital warts require additional examination.

Prevention of human papillomavirus (you know how the infection is transmitted) is quite possible. And, above all, this is the practice of protected sex. As in the case of infection from the STD category, both partners should be treated for papillomavirus, since the probability of having it in spouses is more than 70%. In addition, vaccination can protect yourself from infection.

Is papilloma transmitted through household contact? Yes, and this must be taken into account. That is why you need to be extremely careful when visiting public baths, saunas and swimming pools. In conditions of high humidity, the virus can exist for quite a long period of time.

Research shows that regardless of how the infection occurred, there is a risk of developing cancer: low, but still, you should not forget about it. Following the simplest rules will help protect against infection:

• use only personal hygiene items;
• sex life with a regular partner;
• A varied diet and hardening procedures help maintain strong immune defense.

It is also important to regularly visit a doctor, get tested, and do not forget to treat skin lesions with antiseptic solutions.

Is human papillomavirus dangerous?

Even people who carefully care for their body can develop various new growths on the skin, most of which are benign.

Most often, the cause of their appearance is the human papillomavirus or HPV, which is present in the body of almost every person, but does not make itself known for the time being.

What is HPV

Many people are interested in the question: what is the human papillomavirus, and why is it dangerous?

Human papillomavirus refers to a whole group of viruses that are part of the papillomavirus family, consisting of 5 genera, more than four dozen species and about 200 strains.

• This virus is transmitted only from person to person.
• The source of the virus is pathologically altered cells of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Moreover, the growths themselves may not yet appear, while the virus will already be present in the body, and its “host” will infect other people.

Papilloma is a skin growth, usually flesh-colored, with a narrowed base (pedicle). Sometimes it manifests itself in the form of papillary growths.

The papilloma is covered by the epidermis, and its core is formed by fat and nerve cells, fibrous fibers of the skin and blood vessels.

How it develops

The infection is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact and household contact, as well as from mother to child during childbirth.

• The main condition for transmission of the virus is the presence of microtraumas on the skin and mucous membranes.
• There is a risk of so-called self-infection when shaving or epilating.

In an infected cell, the pathogen can exist in two forms:

• episomal- the virus does not invade the cell’s chromosomes, this form is considered benign;
• introsomal- the virus integrates into the cellular genome, this form is defined as malignant.

Papillomavirus can exist in a healthy human body without manifesting itself for a long time, but when the immune system fails, the virus can become active and begin to multiply vigorously.

Then the disease manifests itself with clinical signs. At first, the neoplasms are small in size, but over time they can grow to an impressive 5 cm.

Photo: pregnancy is one of the factors that provokes the formation of tumors on the skin

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing papillomas:

• obesity. If you are overweight, skin folds and friction zones form on the body, which leads to trauma to the skin;
• diabetes;
• taking steroid hormones. The drugs disrupt the formation of skin fibers, increasing the risk of papillomas;
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• pregnancy. Papillomas are formed against the background of the release of certain hormones and decreased immunity during pregnancy;
• genetic predisposition;
• contact with people infected with HPV;
• sexual contacts with different partners;
• reduced immunity caused by stress and unbalanced nutrition;
• HIV infection;
• organ transplantation, which causes a decrease in the functioning of the immune system.

In most cases (about 90%), the person heals himself within a year.

In other cases, the disease takes on a long-term, chronic, relapsing form with possible degeneration into a malignant one.

Photo

Kinds

There are five main types of papillomas, differing in shape, size, location and other characteristics.

As a rule, they are not prone to malignancy.

• Simple papillomas (vulgar, ordinary). They can be single or multiple, and have the appearance of dense keratinized papules from 1 mm to 1 cm in diameter. The favorite place for localization of neoplasms is the fingers and toes, the back of the hands and the soles of the feet. Most often, they do not require treatment and resolve on their own after a few months, sometimes years.
• Flat warts. They are called “juvenile” because they appear in childhood and adolescence. The diameter of the formations is 1-5 mm. These are flat papules with a smooth surface of flesh-colored, pink or light brown color of irregular shape, but with clear contours, slightly (1-2 mm) rising above the surface of the skin. The usual place for their localization is the face, neck, palms, legs (if there are abrasions or scratches).
• Palmar and plantar papillomas. Usually these growths appear in places where shoe pressure is applied, in rare cases - on the palms. They resemble calluses, which makes it difficult to make a correct diagnosis. These tumors are the most painful and difficult to treat.
• Thread-like growths (acrochords). Unpleasant-looking elongated growths of body color, sometimes their size reaches 10 mm. Favorite locations: neck and face (often eyelids, lips and chin), armpits, skin folds. This type of papillomas has the ability to actively spread through areas of the body adjacent to the affected area and to merge with each other. They do not “dissolve” on their own.
• Pointed papillomas (condylomas). They are small growths of pink skin. They can merge into papillary growths. Localized on the genitals. In men - on the head of the penis, on the foreskin; in women - on the labia majora and minora, on the vestibule of the vagina, etc. In both sexes, condylomas can occur in the anal area and in the oral cavity.

In addition, there are bladder papillomas and laryngeal papillomas.

In some cases, human papillomavirus infection can lead to the development of malignant tumors.

What is the most dangerous type of virus? In connection with this feature, there is the following classification:

• non-oncogenic viruses include: from No. 1 to No. 5, as well as No. 10, 28 and 49;
• to low-oncogenic: No. 6 and 11, No. 42 to 44, No. 54,61,70, 72 and 81;
• to moderately oncogenic: No. 26,53 and 65;
• to highly oncogenic: No. 16,18, No. 31 to 35, 39, 45, No. 51 to 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68.

In 70% of cases, human papillomavirus 18 and 16 leads to the development of cervical cancer in women.

photo: degeneration into cervical cancer

Which one is more dangerous - 16 or 18?

Human papillomavirus 16 accounts for up to 54% of squamous cell carcinoma cases.

How dangerous these two types are, you can draw your own conclusions.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of papillomas depends on the location of the growths and the type of epithelial damage.

• New growths that appear on the skin of the face or neck, as a rule, spoil the aesthetic appearance and do not carry any serious consequences.
• Other types of papillomas, for example, those localized on the laryngeal mucosa, can cause swelling, breathing problems, obstruction, etc.

Papillomas are often injured, for example, by friction with items of clothing, then the neoplasm becomes inflamed and blackens.

• When viral warts occur on the sole, a person may feel pain; by the way, plantar papillomas are considered the most painful.
• When genital warts appear on the genitals or in the anus, the infected person may experience discomfort during sexual intercourse or bowel movements.

What is the danger of the papilloma virus

Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that the level of danger of the virus depends on its type.

The highly oncogenic type of virus is dangerous for both sexes, but to what extent and in what way?

For women

Women should immediately consult a doctor if anogenital papillomas are detected, since highly oncogenic types of the virus can lead to dysplasia and cancer of the cervix, anal area and external genitalia.

Moreover, the danger threatens both young and elderly women.

Cervical erosion can also develop due to HPV, as the virus changes the epithelial cells lining the cervix. And erosion can already lead to squamous cell carcinoma.

For men

HPV in men is less of a concern, although in some cases, the virus can be dangerous for men due to the formation of atypical cells and cancer of the penis or anal area.

Men more often become carriers of the virus without experiencing any health problems.

But the appearance of genital warts should not be ignored, since the virus will be transmitted to partners during intimate intimacy, and in addition, the growths interfere with normal sex life and personal hygiene.

During pregnancy

How dangerous is the papilloma virus for pregnant women?

HPV does not affect the course of pregnancy and the intrauterine development of the baby, but the condition itself can become a trigger for the activation of the disease.

The threat to children is that HPV can be transmitted to the child through the birth canal and lead to the formation of laryngeal papillomas or the formation of growths on the genitals or anus.

Diagnostics

• Diagnosis of papillomavirus begins with a clinical examination to identify the type of papillomas.
• Next, laboratory tests are prescribed, and the laboratory diagnosis of HPV in men and women is somewhat different.

Both sexes are assigned:

• PCR diagnostics, which allows you to determine the amount of virus in a scraping taken from areas affected by HPV and identify other STDs;
• enzyme immunoassay that detects antibodies to the virus;
• cytological or histological examination;
• anoscopy, which allows you to examine the perianal area under magnification;
• Daijin test that identifies the type of HPV.

Women undergo colposcopy and cervical biopsy, and take a PAP test.

Video: “How to treat papilloma virus”

How to treat

Treatment of HPV should be comprehensive and aimed at suppressing the virus, removing its “sources” (directly papillomas) and increasing immunity.

For this purpose, the doctor prescribes antiviral and immunostimulating drugs for internal and local use, as well as the optimal method for removing papillomas.

Drugs

There are currently no targeted drugs against papillomavirus.

Photo: using iodine to remove growths

• interferon. It is used in the form of subcutaneous injections and allows you to get rid of growths within a few days;
• cycloferon and viferon. Ointments for external use, used after removing growths;
• immiquimod. The cream stimulates cell immunity;
• immunal;
• preparations with iodine for local use.

Photo: celandine juice is used to cauterize papillomas

In the treatment of HPV, traditional medicine is widely used: garlic, celandine and dandelion, essential oils and even soap, for which it is enough just to lubricate the growths with laundry soap moistened with water.

Removal methods

Experts say that adequate treatment of HPV begins with the physical removal of papillomas.

Currently, there are several modern methods of hardware removal of warts.

1. Electrocoagulation. Papilloma is treated with electric current.
2. Cryodestruction. The growths are frozen with liquid nitrogen.
3. Laser removal of papillomas. The growths are treated with a powerful beam of light.
4. Radio wave removal. In this case, high frequency waves are used.

How to remove filamentous warts and papillomas using folk remedies? Read here.

These methods are used to remove papillomas almost throughout the body. But what to do if unpleasant growths appear on your face?

On the face

Our face is our calling card, therefore, when papillomas are localized on any part of it, the choice of treatment tactics must be approached with special attention.

Of the above methods, electrocoagulation is the least suitable, but scars may form after the procedure.

To remove papillomas from the skin of the face, the following is most often used:

• radio wave method on the Surgitron apparatus. Papillomas are cut off from the surface with a radio knife. This is a fast, reliable and highly accurate method that has proven itself to have excellent cosmetic results. It is used to remove papillomas on the eyelids and nasolabial folds.
• cryodestruction. An effective method that also does not leave scars or scars on the skin;
• laser removal. An affordable and effective way to cleanse your facial skin.

Photo: laser removal of tumors

Cost of procedures

Prevention

In order to avoid infection or activation of a virus, you should follow a few simple rules:

• avoid contact with people infected with HPV;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene in public places;
• use the patch when the skin is injured.

Women need to undergo regular preventive examinations with a gynecologist.

PAP test

A PAP test or Pap smear does not detect human papillomavirus in women, but it can detect changes in cells toward the development of cancer, which may be caused by HPV.

The presence of atypical cells indicates a high risk of developing cancer or its presence.

Thus, this study makes it possible to detect cancer at the earliest stages and begin treatment in a timely manner.

Vaccination

There are currently only two vaccines against HPV: Gardasil and Cervarix.

• The vaccine cannot directly cure papillomavirus, but it can protect a person from infection with the virus.
• Vaccination is most effective for both men and women under 26 years of age.

How to use hydrogen peroxide for papillomas? Find out here.

Which doctor should I see for papillomas? Read on.

The level of danger of human papillomavirus infection to human health depends on the type of virus.

Infected people need to undergo diagnostics to determine the type of oncogenicity of the virus, and decide on HPV treatment based on its results.

Prevention measures should not be neglected; they will help avoid not only HPV, but also other infections.

Young people under 26 should get vaccinated, and women should have regular PAP tests.

Video: “Vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus)”

Are warts transmitted from person to person?

There is still an opinion among people that warts are transmitted to humans from a toad, apparently by association with its pimply skin.

If you hold this amphibian in your hands, growths will subsequently appear on your fingers.

Of course, this is a myth that has no connection with reality; frogs have nothing to do with it.

It is imperative to know how warts are transmitted, if only to reduce the risk of contracting them.

What is this

Warts are small growths on the skin or mucous epithelium.

• They grow directly from the epidermis and are its own cells that have changed their original functions under the influence of a provoking factor.
• Usually their shape is hemispherical, but some varieties may resemble small cones, papillae, cauliflower inflorescences, or a cockscomb.
• Their surface can be smooth and elastic, but more often it is rough, keratinized, and dry.
• Some warts can peel off and even break out from the middle, such as plantar warts. But this does not make them disappear, they only begin to cause more inconvenience.
• The color of these new growths is close to natural, but old growths turn yellow and acquire not only brown, but also gray and black tints.
• Growths can settle on almost any part of the body and even internal organs.

For the most part, these are benign neoplasms, but some types have a high risk of degeneration.

Why do they appear?

The cause of warts is the papillomavirus.

• It enters the human body through damage to the skin or mucous membranes that is invisible to us.
• The virus settles in epithelial cells. It may take a long time, even several years, before its activity begins. It all depends on the general state of human health, the strength of the body’s natural defenses – immunity. As soon as it weakens, the virus begins to actively multiply.
• The epithelial cells captured by it rapidly divide, forming an outgrowth. Its appearance will be determined by the specific variety of the virus, and scientists have identified about a hundred of them.

Knowing the viral nature of warts, it becomes clear why removing growths is not enough to completely get rid of them. They appear again in the same place or nearby.

Usually, getting rid of the wart itself is supported by antiviral effects and strengthening the immune system - then you can expect the effectiveness of the treatment.

Photo

What are there

Some strains of papillomavirus have common structural features and appearance. This allows you to collect them into one group.

In this regard, warts can be:

• vulgar (simple)– hemispherical hard growths, usually appearing on the hands in the area of ​​​​the hands and fingers, and on the knees of children, can go away on their own after some time;
• flat (or youthful)– small spots that stand out slightly above the skin, usually appear on the face, less often the neck, chest, can merge, causing itching, usually form in children during puberty against the background of hormonal imbalance;
• plantar– dry, hard formations on the feet, which can cause pain when walking, usually have a very deep location;
• filiform- small elongated growths on the face, neck, armpits or groin, usually have a thin base - a stalk;
• genital warts– warts on intimate places in the form of a cock’s comb, elastic, smooth, one of the most dangerous, as they provoke changes in the adjacent tissues.

How are they different from moles?

Warts should be distinguished from moles, especially since sometimes these formations have the same color (shades of brown) and rise above the surface of the skin.

It is necessary to distinguish them, because the methods of treating these formations will be different.

The main specific features include the following:

• if you lightly press the formation with your finger and move it, the mole will move with the skin, but the wart will not;
• the surface of a mole is always soft and elastic (and papillomas can have the same, but their color will be natural), while that of a wart is more rigid or keratinized;
• a plurality of similar formations located nearby are more likely to be warts; this rarely happens in moles;
• if nearby growths have grown together, then these are warts; fusion is not typical for moles;
• The color of moles is always more saturated, warts are often pale, natural or slightly yellowish, grayish.

The nature of these neoplasms is also different.

Moles are clumps of pigment, while warts are caused by a virus. But it is impossible to distinguish this visually.

In any case, before starting treatment of neoplasms, it is necessary to differentiate them from similar ones by a dermatologist.

What is the danger

The size of warts, indeed, rarely exceeds 1 cm, but this does not make the trouble any less.

Warts do not decorate your appearance, especially if they are located on the face, but this is not the only problem they can cause.

Injury to growths can lead to their inflammation, and in rare cases even provoke the transformation of cells into malignant ones.

• The most susceptible to this are growths localized in areas of friction and compression by clothing, in the shaving area, and on the face.
• The resulting wound can contribute to the addition of a bacterial infection, the area around it will become inflamed and painful.
• But even if the wart does not come off, then due to the constant mechanical impact on it, the risk of malignancy of the growth cannot be excluded.

Many warts have roots that go deep into the epithelium, although they may appear very small.

This is the danger of removing them yourself; in reality, the situation turns out to be more complicated and it is not possible to get rid of the growth completely. And this is fraught with a surge in virus activity.

The type of virus that causes genital warts itself has an increased oncogenicity.

The degeneration of cells occurs slowly, but before this, the tissues surrounding the growth are subject to erosion and destruction.

Therefore, the sooner such formations are detected and treated, the better.

Locations

Warts can settle on almost any part of the body; most often they are found on the hands (hands, fingers) and feet (sole).

Favorite areas for growths are those whose skin is thin and susceptible to pollution, and has increased sweating.

This is, first of all, the face and neck, as well as all skin folds on the body (armpits, fold under the mammary glands, groin area).

Photo: neoplasms in the armpit

Some strains of the virus prefer mucous membranes, where genital warts are formed.

• They affect not only the external genitalia, perineum, vagina, area near the anus, but also the mucous membrane of the mouth, nasopharynx, and larynx.
• They can be found on the tongue and vocal cords, in the ducts of the mammary glands and even on the walls of the bladder.

The location of warts is determined by the route of infection and the type of papillomavirus strain that has entered the body.

Video: “How to remove warts”

Removal

Removing the growth is an important component of the effectiveness of treatment.

It must be preceded by a diagnosis from a doctor in order to find out what exactly the growth is and how benign it is.

What to do if the wart turns black after celandine? Find out here.

Warts are removed in the following ways:

• cryodestruction– instant freezing of the growth with liquid nitrogen, as a result of which its vital functions cease and it dies;
• electrocoagulation– exposure to electric current, which allows to cauterize the growth, but thermal damage to surrounding tissues is not excluded;
• radio wave removal– cutting out warts using a non-contact method, which is very gentle on healthy tissue;

• laser destruction– evaporation of growth cells with a laser, a safe and very effective method;
• surgical removal– cutting out the wart with a scalpel, a minor surgical operation.

Certain methods may be effective for different types of warts, so you should consult your doctor about your choice.

Can it be cured with folk remedies?

Folk remedies for the treatment of warts can give good results.

Photo: infusions and decoctions of plants will strengthen the immune system

But they must be used wisely, assessing the advantages and disadvantages.

• The advantages of folk recipes are the ability to use them at home at a convenient time and their relative cheapness. All components can be assembled with your own hands in a vacant lot, in a country house, in a forest belt, or you can use cheap components available at home that we already use in everyday life.
• But the disadvantage is the risk of complications, the main of which are burns and scarring. Therefore, before using folk remedies, it is necessary to carefully weigh their potential dangers and choose the most harmless but effective ones.

For example, removing warts with iodine, laundry soap, and plant decoctions will not cause much harm to healthy skin. But with tinctures, acids (acetic, salicylic), fresh herbal juice (especially celandine) you should be more careful.

Photo: using laundry soap to remove growths

You should not expect immediate results from folk remedies.

Treatment often extends over weeks and months.

And folk recipes rarely take into account the viral nature of warts (unless the component of the composition is onion or garlic, known for their antiviral properties), so they need to be supplemented with appropriate drugs.

Prevention

Papillomavirus is very common.

Its carriers may not even be aware of the presence of viral particles in their bodies.

But you can still reduce the risk of infection if:

• carefully observe personal hygiene, especially after visiting public places;

Photo: following personal hygiene rules will protect against infection

• never use other people’s hygiene items (towels, brushes, shaving accessories, etc.);

Photo: it is necessary to use personal hygiene products

• choose sexual partners carefully;
• in case of doubtful sexual contacts, use barrier means of protection;
• Before planning a pregnancy, get tested so as not to transmit the virus to the baby.

Questions and answers

How are warts transmitted?

There are several ways of transmitting the virus and, as a result, infection with warts.

Unfortunately, they cover most life situations, so the risk of transmitting the virus is very high:

• the virus is transmitted sexually with 100% probability if sexual contact is not protected by a condom. This is a very common way of transmitting anogenital warts (genital warts);
• Warts can also be inherited. This happens if the mother is a carrier of the virus. The baby becomes infected in utero or during childbirth;

Infection also occurs through household means through common objects of use.

Photo: infection can occur through a handshake

• And this, unfortunately, is not only someone else’s towels or slippers, but also door handles and handrails in transport.
• You can become infected by shaking hands, a friendly kiss, or trying on someone else's jewelry.
• The virus is not transmitted through water, but if you walk barefoot on a wet floor in a public swimming pool, sauna, or hotel bathroom, you may well become the owner of warts later. There are many situations, the main feature of all of them is skin contact with the skin or object of use of another person.

You may not even know that an infection has occurred. And when growths are detected, it is impossible to remember when and how this could have happened.

After all, the incubation period for the development of the disease can last from a month to several years.

Should I delete it?

The growths that appear may go away on their own within a year.

Photo: injured tumor must be removed

So you can just watch them for a while.

• But if a wart that appears is constantly injured, rubbed, or interferes, then it is better to remove it to avoid possible complications.
• Warts, which are cosmetic defects, are also removed.
• In the case of genital warts, you should also not waste time; they provoke inflammatory processes and changes in the surrounding tissues.

Any wart indicates the activity of the virus, so if you want to fight it, you need to start by removing the growths.

Is it possible to get infected by touching

Are warts transmitted from person to person by touch?
How are warts on the eyelids removed?

What does a wart on the eyelid look like? See here.

How to remove a periungual wart? Read on.
The answer to this question will be positive, but still a light touch is not enough to necessarily transmit the virus.

• Infection through touching clothing and shoes will not occur.
• But when touching hand to hand, this is quite possible. True, for this to happen, there must be damage on the skin of both participants in the situation, or the wart must be touched directly. In a word, the probability is small, but still exists.

Every person needs to know how warts are transmitted.

In order not to become a hostage to myths and not to miss a truly dangerous moment, you should have reliable information.

Video: “Human papillomavirus”