HPV, human papillomavirus - causes, symptoms of the disease, diagnosis and treatment methods

Why do papillomas occur in children?

Once inside the body, the virus peacefully coexists with other microorganisms and does not manifest itself in any way until a certain point - when the child’s immunity weakens, benign growths may appear. The reasons for the appearance of papillomas in children are due to a decrease in natural protection in the case of:

previous bacterial, viral and fungal infections;
frequent colds;
allergies;
autoimmune pathologies;
gastrointestinal diseases;
immunodeficiency;
long-term drug therapy;
injuries, surgeries and burns;
vitamin deficiency

Any attack on children's immunity can provoke virus activity. Sometimes the starting point is mental and physical overexertion, stress, and nervous shock.

HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted even through short-term contact with a carrier. In children, 3 routes of infection with the human papillomavirus are most relevant.

Perinatal. Passing through the vaginal canal during childbirth, the baby comes into contact with the physiological secretions of the mother, receiving a viral load. Another option for this method of infection is the transmission of HPV from the expectant mother to the fetus through the placental bloodstream during pregnancy.
Domestic. This method is the most common reason for the appearance of papillomas on a child’s body. The virus is transmitted through surfaces and objects touched by an infected person. Common sources are towels, combs, general hygiene products, and clothing, from which HPV enters the child’s body through abrasions and small wounds.
Contact. Transmission of the virus occurs when a healthy person comes into contact with the skin, hair or other parts of the carrier’s body. The simplest example of such an infection is playing and interacting with children who have rashes.

The incubation period lasts from 2–4 weeks to 3–6 months, less often up to 2–4 years. The optimal conditions for the development of HPV are a humid and warm environment. In the fresh air without contact with human skin, the virus quickly dies.

Forum about condylomas / Let's CALM DOWN!

Dear comrades in misfortune! A few months ago, when I was tested for hidden infections, I was found to have HPV types 6 and 18. The first doctor I contacted, a professor at the same time, said that there was nothing to worry about. Just observe. I calmed down, and a week later I saw THEM. I won’t tell you how I cried and rummaged through the Internet, found this forum and read EVERYTHING - you yourself probably went through this if you’re reading this message. In general, I went to another doctor, my mother’s good friend, who confirmed that, of course, there was nothing to worry about, but EVERYTHING NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. She said that yes, the virus cannot be killed, but it can be suppressed. By that time, the virus itself is often eliminated. She prescribed me the following medications: Galavit (suppositories), Isoprinosine (tablets), Epigen - spray, Cycloferon intramuscular injection and remove condylomas with a laser. It was painful as hell to remove. It turned out that there are many more of them than I thought. In some places, the injection was so painful that they burned me without anesthesia. It was scary to watch, I cried and took pills. However, after a month everything healed perfectly, but 2-3 more “grew”, which I also removed, it was no longer so painful, and you can even have sex immediately after removal. Why am I writing all this? I realized that feeling sorry for yourself, crying, becoming an outcast, giving up your personal life is wrong. First of all, be glad that these are condylomas. This is not cancer, not HIV, not hepatitis. It can be treated. Gradually, but it is being treated. There is no need to look at pictures from the Internet and think that “I, too, will grow like a big mushroom and people will avoid me.” No! You already know what you have. You have the Internet and fellow sufferers. You are not suffering from an unknown and incurable disease. CALM DOWN! 1. I realized that my husband, at that time my future husband, infected me with the virus. But it doesn’t manifest itself in any way (pah-pah-pah), I checked. What is the conclusion - the disease acts INDIVIDUALLY! I wanted to write this to those who consider themselves a leper and are afraid of infecting someone - most likely, this person already has the virus, it’s just that each body is individual! Understand! Almost all of my friends have HPV, but only I have condylomas. Do not deny yourself pleasures - live, love! 2. The virus appeared in me after a long sexual life with one partner, but it appeared precisely during a period of stress - work, mortgage. I allowed myself to relax and become sad. Conclusion - be in good shape, don’t sit and feel sorry for yourself, but go hiking, kayaking, go to the sea! This greatly strengthens the immune system! 3. My experience of communicating with 5 (!!!) DOCTORS shows that, unfortunately, you CANNOT trust one specialist! Thank God, we have the Internet and we can check something, clarify it, etc. Doctors are rather cynical people, having seen enough of the terminal stages of cancer, etc., so you can’t get rid of them with warts in an intimate place. Many people told me, what’s the problem? does it hurt? :))) Besides, as sad as it is, you must remember that everyone has their own benefit - for example, I already paid 8 thousand for laser removal, the clinic is profitable and when I told the doctor who removed this beauty for me that I I found an ointment that removes everything painlessly, she reacted very skeptically and said “how well have you studied the Internet, you know everything.” This reaction even inspired me! 4. As many have written here - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Think about why you were given this. You don't have to spend a ton of money. For example, Immunal costs about 200 rubles, and the Echinacea tincture from which it is made costs 45. Is there a difference?) I drink Echinacea, Eleutherococcus, Altai balsam, vitamins and separately vitamin C. 5. It also makes sense to get vaccinated with Gardasil. It ranges from types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is unlikely that you are all sick, which means it will protect you from others. But the main thing is that when the disease is suppressed and one fine day, I believe, the analysis will not show the damned virus - YOU WILL BE PROTECTED FROM THE RISK OF RE-INFECTION! Someone from the medical circles convinces me that the vaccine also has a healing property, I’m not sure of this, but what the hell is not joking. I did the first one, a month later the second one, after which specific antibodies to the virus are produced. So next time my husband won’t infect me. 6. For those who visit Europe, there is Aldara ointment (Imiquimod) 5%. My friends who live there used it, the doctors prescribed it for them. It's much more humane than laser. In addition, the efficiency is high. The medicine in Russia is only at the registration stage. But you can get the recipe in Russia and in Europe, order its translation and buy it. They do this in Finland - I know for sure. It’s especially convenient for those who live in St. Petersburg. But the main thing is faith in recovery! This is 90% success! Don't consider me a crazy optimist, I'm a cruel cynic, but I believe in this. The forum helped me a lot! I read and empathized with everyone and realized that I was not alone!!! Let's hold on! Let's live and be glad that we live! Please get out of depression! PS For girls who have a complex about genital warts, I’ll say that, for example, my husband didn’t notice anything at all, and now that he knows, he doesn’t attach any importance to it. Believe me, sometimes what you worry about, worry about, or feel depressed about is not even noticeable to others! Get well soon everyone!

HPV symptoms

The papilloma virus infects the skin and mucous membranes, causing the proliferation of the epidermis and the appearance of pathological neoplasms:

papillomas;
warts;
condylomas.

They look like small skin growths ranging in size from 1 to 5–8 mm, sometimes there are growths reaching 1–2 cm. Basically, such formations imitate healthy skin in color, but there are elements of dark brown and white shades.

The main places of distribution of papillomas:

face and neck;
external genitalia and groin area;
the inner surface of the elbow and knee bends;
soles of feet;
fingers and skin around nails.

On the mucous membranes, elements can appear in the larynx, nasal passages; in girls, sometimes there are formations localized on the cervix.

Types of formations

There are several types of papillomas.

Vulgar (common) warts. They are the most common type of neoplasm. They have a “leg”, rise noticeably above the surface of healthy skin, reaching a diameter of up to 1–2 cm. Sometimes hair grows from the central part of the wart. Such formations do not bother the child with pain or itching and appear on the arms, back or legs.
Flat or juvenile papillomas. They look like small pigmented plaques of a fuzzy round shape, do not extend beyond the skin and form in groups. Such elements are characterized by a smooth surface and selectivity: they appear on the face, neck, legs, sometimes hands, but never in the armpits, genitals or skin folds. Occurs in children older than 5–6 years.
Condylomas or genital papillomas. These elements resemble small papillae. They are pink in color and form in areas with thin skin: in the genital area, on the mucous membranes.
Plantar warts. They affect the feet, occur under the big toes and visually resemble small round calluses.

Another variant of formations is filamentous warts or acrochords. They are similar to regular ones, but differ in elasticity and more compact sizes up to 5–6 mm. They prefer to appear under the mammary glands, in the groin, armpits, and are found on the neck and face.

The dangers of human papillomavirus

Some of the representatives of these microorganisms are harmless to humans, while others can provoke the growth of cancer cells. HPV is classified into two main types:

Strains with high oncogenic risk. Such variants of the virus provoke the development of condylomas on the mucous membranes and in the genital area. Under unfavorable circumstances, they can cause an oncogenic mutation.
Strains with low oncogenic risk. Viruses of this type cause warts, plantar lesions and juvenile papillomas. The risk of cell degeneration is minimal.

The greatest danger lies in girls: studies conducted in the USA have proven that 98% of cases of cervical cancer are associated with this virus. There is also a risk of developing cancer of the vagina, ovaries, anal canal, larynx, pharynx, and in boys, the genitals. Papillomas located in the anus and genital area require special attention.

Diagnosis of HPV

The main clinical sign of papillomatous infection is formation on the skin. Therefore, in most cases, an examination by a doctor is sufficient to make a correct diagnosis. Additional examination methods are:

biopsy or scraping - taking biological material for further research;
PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
General and biochemical blood test.

These laboratory diagnostic methods help:

detect the presence of papilloma virus in the child’s body (if there are no growths on the skin);
accurately determine the HPV strain;
understand the form of the infection (acute or chronic).

These data are necessary for assessing oncogenic risk and timely further examination.

Treatment of HPV in children

Unfortunately, there are no effective medications for the treatment of papillomavirus in children, as well as in adults.
In most cases, the body copes on its own, and action is only necessary in situations where there is a risk of oncological processes or tumors interfere with the child’s daily life. What do they do if children develop papillomas?

Do not panic. In the vast majority of cases, warts and other growths go away on their own within 2–3 years. The human papillomavirus is not only easily transmitted, but also quickly “leaves” the child’s body without any consequences or external help.
Do not try to remove the growths at home, do not tear off or cut off under any circumstances. This is fraught with infection and the extensive appearance of new rashes.
Contact a dermatologist if any suspicious elements appear on your child’s skin. During the consultation, the doctor will examine and give recommendations, and, if necessary, prescribe removal.

Medical care for manifestations of HPV is limited to the removal of formations that affect the quality of life or are located in places where they are often injured and cause discomfort (on the eyelid, in the genital area, in the larynx).

An extraordinary inspection is needed if:

the color of the papilloma changes;
the wart begins to grow or change shape;
blood or other fluid is released from the formation;
papilloma is subject to constant friction due to clothing;
the rashes are on the face or mucous membranes.

It is advisable not to delay a visit to a dermatologist if the formation itches, hurts, causes other physical discomfort, or has been injured. In other cases, it is recommended to observe the “behavior” of the papilloma virus and control the elements on the child’s body.

Options for removing papillomas

There are 5 modern and proven methods, each of which has its own limitations, features and advantages.

Electrocoagulation. The method is based on the influence of high-frequency electric current. It literally “burns out” the neoplasm, leaving in its place only a dry crust, which eventually falls off on its own.
Radio wave surgery. This method allows you to remove warts and other elements without contact with the skin, which eliminates the risk of thermal damage to tissue.
Laser therapy. It involves treating the affected area with light waves of a certain length.
Cryodestruction. It involves “freezing” new growths with liquid nitrogen.
Surgical excision. It is performed under local anesthesia using a scalpel.

It is strictly not recommended in childhood to resort to traditional methods of removing warts and to use medications from the pharmacy on your own without the supervision of a doctor. After removal of papillomas, children should not:

tear off the crust;
sunbathe;
visit the baths;
cover the treatment area with a plaster;
scratch and rub the removal site.

You should not use creams and ointments without a dermatologist's prescription. In the first 1–4 days, it is advisable to refrain from walking in direct sunlight, swimming in public bodies of water and activities that can injure the treated area of skin.

Methods for removing formations

Depending on the diagnostic results, the doctor recommends one of the methods for removing papillomas:

Laser is a minimally invasive technology using a laser beam: no pain and bleeding, quick recovery.
Radio waves are a low-traumatic, non-contact method of removing tumors with an excellent cosmetic effect.
Cryodestruction - to remove papillomas, liquid nitrogen is used, which cools and destroys tumors.

If you are faced with the need to remove papillomas, Harmony specialists will be happy to help. Our medical center employs leading doctors in the region and has modern professional equipment. Contact us if you want the treatment to be quick, painless and safe for your health.

HPV prevention

The most effective method of preventing infections and complications caused by the human papillomavirus is vaccination. It is carried out before the onset of full puberty and before the start of sexual relations. The optimal age is from 9 to 11 years.

Other preventive measures are:

maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
balanced healthy diet;
timely treatment of abrasions, scratches and other skin damage;
informing children and adolescents about the dangers of smoking, since tobacco use increases the risk of oncogenic mutations of the virus;
regular preventive examinations.

It is very important to monitor the child’s health and support immunity in accessible ways. Active physical activity, hardening, and outdoor games are encouraged, allowing the formation of an adequate immune response to environmental factors. It is advisable to abandon home self-medication and uncontrolled use of medications, since incorrect actions can reduce the natural defenses of the child’s body and lead to the activation of HPV.

How is the human papillomavirus transmitted: what is the danger?

Everyone should know how the human papillomavirus is transmitted. This is the only way to protect yourself from dangerous diseases. Often, papillomas are not given much importance. Many people believe that if a growth appears on the body, it will disappear on its own. This mistake haunts humanity, and the consequences may be undesirable.

Papilloma tissue tends to grow, which leads to the spread of papillomavirus throughout the body. Sometimes its individual strains can cause cancer.

What is human papillomavirus

This virus is a chronic infectious manifestation of various diseases that can appear in a person at any age. In medical practice, this virus comes in two types: one that does not carry a high risk of dangerous diseases, and a virus with a high risk.

The papilloma virus multiplies on the skin and its mucous membranes. As a result, the following growths form on the skin:

warts;
condylomas;
papillomas in the mouth and larynx;
papillomas on internal organs.

Many cases have been recorded in which papillomas become the cause of cervical cancer in women, as well as cancer of the male genital organs. To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to know about the routes of transmission of the disease.

How does the virus enter the human body?

The infection spreads through the mucous membrane or skin of a person. If there are no acute diseases, then papilloma does not manifest itself in any way, and growths do not form on the surface of the skin.

If growths of different colors have formed on the skin, then this indicates a precancerous condition, when the human skin, and the entire body, suffers a malignant disease, or the immune system is significantly reduced.

The “favorite” place for bacteria to penetrate are cuts, scratches and other skin lesions through which the virus can penetrate. The likelihood of infection increases if:

A person has colds or other reasons for which immunity is greatly reduced.
Dysbacteriosis of the intestines or female genital organs is observed. In this case, the beneficial microflora dies and is replaced by harmful microorganisms, in this case, papillomavirus infection.
Presence of sexually transmitted diseases.
Relapse of chronic diseases.
Stress and depression, which reduce a person’s defense against viruses.

Most often, people suffering from nicotine addiction, as well as women taking birth control pills, get sick.

How the virus spreads

If a person has no symptoms, this does not mean the papilloma virus is absent. The initial stage, when there are no growths yet, can be diagnosed using the latest equipment. In medicine, there are several ways through which dangerous microorganisms are transmitted.

Both men and women can become infected with the dangerous virus. The following transmission methods are distinguished:

Sexually

This is the most common way to become infected. Just one sexual encounter, and the papillomavirus can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person.

Many people are interested in the question of whether papillomavirus is transmitted from woman to man. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in men, however, a large number of women can become carriers of the disease. In this case, the location of the bacteria becomes the genitals or the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, where genital warts appear. In this case, there is a 100% risk of infection.

Predisposing factors for the disease are:

early onset of sexual activity;
frequent change of sexual partners;
condylomas or warts that the sexual partner has.

Reproducing in the mouth, in the absence of qualified treatment, there is a high probability of developing throat cancer. To avoid such consequences, you must use a condom.

If the localization of the virus is human skin, then a condom will not help. Papilloma is transmitted from direct contact with human skin on which condylomas and warts are located.

By everyday means

In this case, infection occurs in the following ways:

Sharing the same towel, soap and other personal hygiene products with a person who has condylomas on their hands. Pathology occurs if there are injuries and abrasions on the body.
Using the same toothbrush or utensils leads to infection through the patient’s saliva.
The clothes of an infected person can also become a hotbed for the development of the virus and be transmitted to a healthy person.
Self-infection through shaving, hair removal and other methods. The disease develops if a wart, which previously did not pose any danger, is damaged with a razor or other object. If damaged, this growth provokes the development of neoplasms, which can pose a significant danger to human health.

Infection in public places through contact with infected people

Medical practice has recorded cases where the virus was transmitted through blood transfusions, operations to remove condylomas, when doctors accidentally spread the source of infection throughout the body, and poor sterilization of manicure instruments in salons.

Mother-to-child transmission of the virus

Human papilloma is not a hereditary disease, however, the risk of transmission from mother to child still exists. When carrying a child, the risk of transmitting the virus is minimal, but still, if the placenta is damaged or other changes occur, papilloma can spread to the unborn baby.

The virus will reach him through the placenta, since the fetus has not yet formed bronchi and alveoli. In this case, the child develops respiratory papillomatosis. If after the birth of the baby he experiences breathing problems, then an examination is carried out, after which medication or surgery may be prescribed. The latter option is used much more often, as it has a greater chance of cure.

Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo all the necessary tests to eliminate the risk of developing papilloma.

There is a very high probability that the child will become infected with the virus when passing through the birth canal. The consequence is the appearance of genital warts in the child’s mouth and larynx, which leads to various disorders of the respiratory system and decreased immunity.

If papillomas were detected in the woman’s genitals before giving birth, the birth is carried out artificially to reduce the risk of infection of the child.

Another way to infect a child from the mother is through breastfeeding. In this case, the child develops respiratory papillomatosis, which must be treated immediately.

Features of the virus in men and women

In women, the virus enters through the cervix, rectum or oral cavity. If there is a frequent change of sexual partners, the risk of infection increases to its maximum. The consequences of the disease can be infertility, cancer and many other ailments.

The papillomavirus in men most often manifests itself on the scrotum, head of the genital organ, anus or oral cavity. In men, the disease can occur without symptoms; only after severe stress or decreased immunity can the development of papillomavirus occur.

A dangerous aspect of HPV in men is the development of cancer of the male genital organs or anus.

In order to prevent the virus from entering the human body, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene, as well as lead a healthy lifestyle and be faithful to one sexual partner.