Papillomas on the body are benign formations of an infectious nature. The predominantly strains 16 and 18 tend to degenerate into malignant forms (more than 100 species are known in total). Wart and papilloma are synonymous terms.
Characteristics of the disease:
- It occurs in people of any age, mainly in women (the number of detected cases is 1. 5 times higher than in men).
- Infection occurs through household contact or through sexual contact. It remains unnoticed for a long time, because the virus does not have a strong effect on the immune system. Moreover, after the introduction into the genome, only the viral DNA remains, and not the virus itself (it is almost impossible to eliminate).
- There are a number of vaccines designed to reduce infections and reduce susceptibility to the viral agent.
- Immunity after infection is formed in a specific, uncrossed, unstressed, weak way, which means the possibility of re-infection.
causes
The main reason for the appearance of papilloma on the body is the human papillomavirus (HPV, papillomavirus). It belongs to viruses containing DNA, which explains its ability to integrate into the human genome and modify its structure. The virus enters the bloodstream through microdamage and settles on the basal layer of the epidermis. Division occurs only at the germ layer, in the rest the virus can be detected, but there is no division at these levels.
There are several clinical forms of the disease:
- manifest - primary infection with a virus in people with reduced immunity;
- subclinical - a form in which manifestations of this pathology occur periodically, followed by long-term relapses;
- latent - a form associated with the direct integration of the virus into the genome (carriage).
Factors predisposing to the development of neoplasms:
- Skin damage. The virus cannot enter the bloodstream without at least minimal injury to the skin, which serves as the gateway for infection.
- Reduced immunity. HPV can be attributed to conditionally pathogenic viruses, which makes it dangerous for humans when a normal cellular or humoral immune response is suppressed.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules when visiting public places. The virus is contagious and infection can occur even at low levels in the environment.
- Violation of the normal diet, constant stress and lack of proper rest lead to suppression of the immune system, the body becomes vulnerable to the action of the pathogen.
- Frequent inflammatory and infectious diseases lead to depletion of the immune system (this is especially important for people who are often ill).
- The human papillomavirus can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth (vertical transmission).
External events
External manifestations of papillomas in the photo have the following features:
- Multiple formations protruding above the surface of the skin. They can take the form of a classic wart (a flat lesion on a wide stalk) or have a thin stalk and hang down on the skin like a cockscomb.
- The color rarely differs from the surrounding tissues. The exception are cases of germination of the formation in the superficial vascular network, in which case it acquires a reddish tint. A rapid color change signals a possible rebirth (differentiation with moles is also carried out).
- The contour is generally uniform and sharp. Exceptions are formations that have degenerated into a tumor.
- The surface is often smooth and slightly shiny. In case of localization in the region of the upper eyelids, neck, armpits, the surface is often uneven with sharp reliefs like cauliflower.
- The diameter varies from small foci of a few millimeters to 1-2 cm. On the same part of the human body, formations of different calibers may be present. If the papilloma grows too quickly, a medical consultation is necessary.
How to get rid of papillomas
The treatment of papillomas on the body takes place according to a single scheme, regardless of the exact localization (for each specific type there is an optimal option or combination):
- Destructive methods (physical and chemical).
- Combined techniques (simultaneous action of local drugs and destructive treatment options).
It is permissible to treat papillomas with cytotoxic and immunological preparations only in the condition of a total process (papillomatosis, that is, a very large number of papillomas on the body). In cases with unique formations, such therapy is not carried out due to the large number of side effects and cross-reactions in drugs of these groups.
Methods of destruction
Destructive treatment options are the same for all types of skin lesions caused by HPV. They are divided into physical and chemical.
Methods of physical destruction:
Method | The description |
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Electrocautery | The formation is cut into layers of healthy skin (a rather deep defect can form, which will heal for a long time). In the event of a deep lesion, it is performed under local anesthesia with a solution of lidocaine (2%). For this, a needle electrode is used. |
cryodestruction | Usually liquid nitrogen, nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide are used. The exposure time is chosen taking into account the location and extent of the lesion. Often, several sessions are necessary with a frequency of 7 to 10 days. |
laser destruction | Layer-by-layer removal of a skin neoplasm using a concentrated beam of light of a certain wave. On average, the exposure can last from 5 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the extent of the lesion. As a result, a crust appears at the site of the lesion. Subsequently, dressings are necessary until the wound heals. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. |
Radiosurgical destruction | The formation is destroyed by the action of an electromagnetic wave in the range of 100 kHz to 105 MHz. In this case, the tissues are heated and local necrosis occurs (suitable for eliminating small foci). |
Folk remedies
At home, it is permissible to get rid of the growth with traditional medicine, but it should be borne in mind that their effectiveness is low. Also, before starting such treatment, consultation with a specialist is necessary in order to differentiate papillomas from a number of other skin diseases with similar manifestations.
Means | Recipe |
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Celandine juice | Crush the stem of the plant with the resulting fresh juice, wipe the affected area 3-5 times a day for 10 days. |
potato juice | Grate raw potatoes to a gruel, then squeeze and wipe the formation with the resulting juice 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 4-5 weeks. |
onion juice | Finely chop 1 onion, squeeze a little until juice appears. Apply the resulting gruel to the hearth for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. Treatment should be carried out for 3 weeks. |
Calendula | Crush several flowers in a mortar, apply the resulting mixture to the affected area and fix for 30 minutes. Repeat the procedure morning and evening for 21 days. |