The human papilloma virus or HPV is widespread throughout the world, regardless of the region.According to statistics, every third person is infected with one of the strains of this virus.Everyone who cares about their health should know how the human papillomavirus is transmitted, and how he is dangerous.
About the virus
The disease provokes the formation of benign growths on the skin and mucous membranes - these are papillomas, also known as warts and condylomas.There are more than one hundred strains of the virus, some of which pose a potential threat to health, as they provoke the development of malignant neoplasms.
HPV occupies second place in terms of the frequency of viral infections transmitted through sexual contacts.Once in the human body, the virus may not manifest itself for a long time.Its activation occurs against the background of a decrease in immunity.It is after recently transferred infectious diseases that patients notice the appearance of growths on the skin.
There is no effective method of combating the virus.A healthy body is able to independently defeat HPV.On average, the suppression of the activity of the virus takes from several months to several years, depending on immunity.
Many doubt whether the human papillomavirus is transmitted, considering the disease of the innate feature, but it is very simple to infect HPV.
The virus is transmitted:
- sexually;
- contact-household;
- From mother to child.
Potentially dangerous strains are 16 and 18. According to statistics, 75% of cases of cervical cancer provokes this viral infection.
Sexual infection
Condylomas are transmitted from person to sexually.At the same time, the risk of infection for women is higher than for men.This is due to the features of the structure of the female genital organs.The vaginal mucosa is very susceptible to pathogenic agents.Due to the large area of the walls, the probability of infection is very high, unlike men who have less vulnerable places-only the penis and the urethra.
Interestingly, you can get infected with a virus without the penetration of the penis into the vagina.The human papilloma virus in women and men is contained in discharge and sperm, therefore, when the genitals are in contact, the risk of infection is high, even without intercourse.
Sitty condylomas are manifestations of one of the dangerous forms of the virus.Such neoplasms affect the mucous membranes of the genitals, often develop on the border of the lips.Contact of the mucosa with a area affected by condylomas can lead to infection.HPV is contained directly in the growths, so infection is possible through kisses or with oral sex.
HPV infection in everyday life
The contact-household transmission of the virus is not sufficiently studied, but the possibility of infection when using other people's hygiene items has been proven.A factor increasing the risk of infection is a decrease in immunity.Infection is possible when using other people's towels, pillowcases or toothbrushes.
Contact with the skin of an infected person is harmless.The exception is cases when papilloma is transmitted during handshake.Such a transmission of HPV is carried out under the influence of a set of factors:
- The skin with which a healthy person has contacted is densely dotted with papillomas and warts;
- There is a strong decrease in immunity;
- There are damage to the epidermis in a healthy person.
If a person is in contact with the carrier of the virus, while the skin in the place of contact is damaged, the transfer of HPV is possible.
The transfer of the virus from mother to child
The newborn is infected by HPV unnaturally, and through passage through the birth canal.This is due to the fact that during the delivery, numerous microsyas of the walls of the vagina occur, as a result of which the mucous membranes of the child is in contact with the virus.
The risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus during pregnancy is low.The virus can be transmitted only if it is in the active phase.With cesarean section, HPV infection is unlikely.
Risk factors
Sexual transmission of the virus is a serious problem, which few people think about.Despite the apparent safety of the disease, some HPV strains are potentially dangerous for people.As a rule, infection occurs at the beginning of sexual activity.
The incubation period of the virus is great.Often, immunity independently suppresses HPV, as a result, a person does not even suspect that he was infected.The active phase of the virus is the period of the formation of growths on the skin and mucous membranes.
The risk group is all people who do not carefully monitor their health.The reason for the activation of the virus is any weakening of immune defense.
The appearance of papilloma is noted:
- after the transmitted viral and infectious diseases;
- for systemic diseases, for example, with diabetes;
- against the background of an imbalance of hormones;
- After a long course of antibacterial therapy.
Growths appear on any part of the body.Condylomas are formed on the mucous membranes, mainly on the genitals.
The formation of papillomas and warts on the arms and legs may be due to damage to the skin and a fall of local immunity.This is noted against the background of increased sweating of the feet and wearing too narrow shoes.Hands often appear after contact with household chemicals.
Diagnosis of dangerous strains of the virus
The formation of a condy in the inguinal zone is an occasion to see a doctor.The type of virus is determined by the analysis of blood, urine or smear from the vaginal mucosa.Additionally, the doctor may recommend the removal of condyloma with further histological analysis of the growth cells.Such an examination is mandatory in women when condyl is formed in the vagina and on the cervix.
To prevent the development of cervical cancer allows the timely diagnosis of a carcinogenic type of virus.At the beginning of the pathological process of cell degeneration into malignant, timely removal of the hearth and the corresponding drug therapy allow you to get rid of a dangerous disease.All women are recommended to be examined annually on the presence of HPV type 16 and 18.
The only effective way to avoid infection is vaccination.Vaccination is placed for girls aged 7-10 years.If necessary, vaccination is carried out at an older age, but only if the girl had no sexual experience.
How to get rid of HPV?
Drug therapy for HPV is aimed at reducing the activity of the virus.There are no drugs that destroy this infection.
HPV therapy includes:
- antiviral treatment;
- strengthening immunity;
- Removal of growths.
The main part of the treatment is antiviral therapy.Using drugs in ointments and tablets.The ointments are applied to each growth, allowing the activity of the virus locally blocking the activity of the body. Immunostimulants and vitamin preparations are used to strengthen the body's protective forces.
Removal of growths is carried out only after the course of antiviral therapy.You can remove papillomas both to the doctor’s office and at home on your own.Professional removal methods are laser burning, cryodestruction or electrocoagulation.Radio wave removal of papillomas is also used.The advantages of such methods are painlessness and safety.After the procedure, there are no scars left on the skin.
At home, alkaline mixtures are used, which are sold in pharmacies.Funds are once applied to the body of papilloma and burning tissues.A few days later, the growth decreases in size and darkens, and then disappears.The disadvantage of the method is the probability of scar formation and pain during papilloma treatment.
Sharp worseman and growths on the skin of the face cannot be removed on its own.Damage to neoplasms on the mucous membranes can lead to the spread of the virus.Furning papillomas on the face is fraught with the formation of scars.
Prevention of HPV
Several rules will help not to become infected with the virus:
- Maintaining immunity.Any colds must be treated in a timely manner.Treatment of influenza and infectious diseases should always be supplemented with the use of immunostimulants.
- Personal hygiene.Quite often, infection occurs when using other people's hygiene items.In addition to towels and pillows, it is recommended to avoid wearing other people's clothing and shoes, since when rubbing the skin, this can lead to the virus entering the body.
- Sexual contact.Even the use of a condom does not guarantee one hundred percent protection against HPV.The only way out is a permanent partner and fidelity.The virus is transmitted from a man to a woman, the reverse infection occurs less often.
If the growth on the skin interferes, hurts or clings to the clothes - it needs to be removed.In most cases, HPV does not harm health and causes only aesthetic discomfort.Before removing papilloma on the skin, it is recommended to undergo an examination to determine the type of virus.