The human papillomav or HPV virus is widespread worldwide, regardless of the region.According to statistics, every third person is infected with one of the strains of this virus.Anyone who is interested in their health should know how human papillomavirus is transmitted and how it 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 warts.There are more than a hundred strains from the virus, some of which pose a potential health threat as they provoke the development of malignant neoplasms.
HPV ranks second in terms of the incidence of viral infections transmitted through sexual intercourse.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 was after recently transferring infectious diseases that patients notice the appearance of growths on the skin.
There is no effective method for combating the virus.A healthy body is able to independently beat HPV.The average suppression of the activity of the virus takes several months to several years, depending on the immunity.
Many doubt whether human papillomavirus is transmitted given the disease of the congenital characteristic, but it is very easy to infect HPV.
The virus is transmitted:
- sexually;
- contact house;
- From mother to child.
The potentially dangerous strains are 16 and 18. According to statistics, 75% of cases of cervical cancer provoke this viral infection.
Sexual infection
Condilomas are transmitted by a person to sexual.At the same time, the risk of infection in women is higher than in men.This is due to the characteristics 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 likelihood of infection is very high, unlike men who have less vulnerable sites only for the penis and urethra.
Interestingly, you can get infected with a virus without the penetration of the penis into the vagina.The human papillomavirus 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.
City warts are manifestations of one of the dangerous forms of the virus.Such neoplasms affect the mucous membranes of the genitals, often developing on the border of the lips.Contact of the mucosa with an area affected by the warts can lead to infection.HPV is contained directly in the outgrowths, so the infection is possible through kisses or oral sex.
HPV infection in everyday life
The transmission of a contact house to the virus has not been sufficiently studied, but the possibility of infection using other people's hygiene elements has been proven.A factor that increases the risk of infection is a decrease in immunity.The infection is possible when using towels, pillows or toothbrushes.
Contact with the skin of an infected person is harmless.An exception is cases where the papilloma is transmitted during a handshake.Such a HPV transmission is carried out under the influence of a set of factors:
- The skin with which a healthy person has connected is densely strewn with papillomas and warts;
- There is a strong reduction in immunity;
- There is damage to the epidermis in a healthy person.
If a person is in contact with the virus carrier while the skin at the contact site 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 by passing through the birth channel.This is due to the fact that during the delivery multiple micros of the walls of the vagina appear, resulting in the child's mucous membranes in contact with the virus.
The risk of intrauterine fetal infection during pregnancy is low.The virus can only be transmitted if it is in the active phase.With caesarean section, HPV infection is unlikely.
Risk factors
Sexual transmission of the virus is a serious problem that few people think about.Despite the obvious safety of the disease, some HPV strains are potentially dangerous to humans.As a rule, the 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 has been contagious.The active phase of the virus is the period of 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 activating the virus is any weakening of the immune defenses.
The appearance of papilloma is noted:
- after transmitted viral and infectious diseases;
- for systemic diseases, for example, with diabetes;
- against the background of hormone imbalance;
- After a long course of antibacterial therapy.
Range occurs on every part of the body.The warts are formed on the mucous membranes, mainly on the genitals.
The formation of papillomas and warts on the hands and feet can be due to damage to the skin and the fall of local immunity.This is noted against the background of enhanced sweating of the legs and wearing too tight shoes.Hands often appear after contact with household chemicals.
Diagnosis of dangerous strains of the virus
The formation of a horn in the Ingina area is an occasion to see a doctor.The type of virus is determined by the analysis of the blood, urine or smear from the vaginal mucosa.In addition, the doctor may recommend the removal of the wart with additional histological analysis of growth cells.Such a study is mandatory in women when the warts are formed in the vagina and in the cervix.
To prevent the development of cervical cancer, it allows the timely diagnosis of a carcinogenic type of virus.At the beginning of the pathological process of cell degeneration in malignant, timely removal of the outbreak and relevant 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.The vaccination is given for girls aged 7-10 years.If necessary, vaccination is performed at an old age, but only if the girl has no sexual experience.
How to get rid of HPV?
HPV drug therapy is aimed at reducing the activity of the virus.There are no drugs to destroy this infection.
HPV therapy includes:
- antiviral treatment;
- strengthening immunity;
- Removal of outgrowths.
The main part of the treatment is antiviral therapy.Use of medicines in ointments and tablets.Forms are applied for any growth, which allows the activity of the virus locally blocks the activity of the body.Immunostimulants and vitamin preparations are used to strengthen the body's defenses.
The development of growth is performed only after the course of antivirus therapy.You can remove papillomas in both the doctor's office and at home.Professional methods of removal are laser combustion, cryodestruction or electrocoagulation.It is also used to remove the radio wave of papillomas.The advantages of such methods are painless and safety.After the procedure, there are no scars on the skin.
Alkaline mixtures are used at home, which are sold in pharmacies.Once the agents are applied to the body of the papilloma and the burning tissues.A few days later, growth decreases in size and darkens and then disappears.The disadvantage of the method is the likelihood of scar and pain during treatment with papilloma.
The sharp worsening and growth of the skin cannot be removed on their own.Damage to neoplasms on the mucous membranes can lead to the spread of the virus.The furnishing of papillomas of the face is fraught with the formation of scars.
HPV prevention
A few rules will help not to get infected with the virus:
- Maintaining immunity.All colds should be treated in a timely manner.Treatment of influenza and infectious diseases should always be supplemented with the use of disabilities.
- Personal hygiene.Quite often, the infection occurs with the use of hygiene elements of others.In addition to towels and pillows, it is recommended to avoid wearing other people's clothes and shoes, as it can lead to the entry of the virus into the body when rubbing the skin.
- Sexual contact.Even the use of a condom does not guarantee a hundred percent protection against HPV.The only way out is a permanent partner and faithfulness.The virus is transmitted from man to woman, the reverse infection occurs less often.
If the growth on the skin interferes, hurts or clicks in the clothes - it must be removed.In most cases, HPV does not damage health and causes only aesthetic discomfort.Before removing the papilloma on the skin, it is recommended to undergo a examination to determine the type of virus.