Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) - symptoms and treatment

Expert: Pogrebnoy Stanislav Leonidovich

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

At the very beginning of the review of medications for warts, it is necessary to warn: only after seeing a dermatologist can an accurate diagnosis be made and find out whether the formation is suspicious for malignancy. Not every elevation above the surface of the skin can be a wart, that is, a benign tumor and a derivative of the epidermis. In some cases (old age, pain, discoloration, bleeding) we are talking about malignant skin tumors, among which basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma are often found.

Attention!

Any attempts to remove an unusual “pseudowart” that is bothering a person on their own, without consulting a doctor, can lead to an outbreak of metastasis and generalization of the malignant process, which will significantly reduce life time.

Therefore, this rating is intended for those people who actually have ordinary or vulgar warts, which are most often found on the arms and legs, do not differ in color from neighboring areas of the skin, and have a rough surface. Additionally, there are such varieties of warts as flat and senile. Separate formations are condylomas. It makes no sense to fight senile and flat warts, since in the first case they will appear again, and in the second case their localization often includes the face, and this should be dealt with by a specialist - a dermatocosmetologist.

In the same case, if we are talking about ordinary warts, then it is possible to remove them yourself at home, without resorting to laser technologies, surgical excision and electrocoagulation. This rating of remedies for warts includes local cauterizing preparations, products that soften the skin and facilitate subsequent removal - keratolytics. Also considered are means for removing warts using low temperatures, and some antiviral and immunotropic drugs aimed at suppressing viral infection.

This rating of do-it-yourself wart removal drugs includes prices for each item. The price will be average for pharmacies of all forms of ownership, and will be valid for the end of 2022. Opens a list of drugs with cauterizing and mummifying activity against warts.

Rating of the best remedies for warts

Pharmaceutical preparations for cauterization of papillomas

In the treatment of papillomas, in particular genital ones, it is important that both partners undergo therapy.

Otherwise, there is a risk of continuous cross-infection.

There is no “best” treatment for genital warts.

Therapy depends on the location and volume of papillomas, as well as on the preference of the doctor and, of course, also on the request of the patient.

The following effective treatment options are available to treat genital warts:

• topical medications such as creams, ointments or solutions
• surgical removal (coagulation, radio wave, nitrogen cauterization)

The best cauterizing (coagulating) agents for warts

Most often, active acids and intense oxidizing agents act as cauterizing agents, the purpose of which is local necrosis, that is, tissue necrosis. Why are alkalis, which can also cause cell death, never used? The fact is that acids have a drying effect and cause protein denaturation, while simultaneously limiting the area of ​​necrosis. They fold (coagulate) proteins. In the case of alkali, the opposite process occurs: saponification of fats begins in the depths of tissues, since alkali dissolves fat. If you try to remove a wart yourself using caustic potassium, you will get a loose zone of unlimited necrosis that will spread deep to the sides.

Therefore, under no circumstances should it be used as self-medication.

concentrated alkaline solutions to reduce warts.

What products do the modern pharmaceutical industry produce that are cauterizing?

Collomak

Rating: 4.9

Collomac is salicylic and lactic acid, which are quite weak from a chemical point of view, as well as polidocanol. But their combined effect on proteins is quite strong. Together they produce a keratolytic effect, destroy keratinized epithelial cells, loosen the wart and promote the chemical destruction of this formation. As for polidocanol, it causes microthrombosis, or sclerosis of the blood vessels approaching the wart, and also has a mild analgesic effect.

You need to use Collomac naturally, only externally, using a special brush-brush included with the package, which is built into the lid of the bottle. Apply one drop of solution to the wart twice a day. In case of widespread lesions, when it is necessary to apply the drug to large areas of the skin, more than 1 ml of solution, or 10% of the entire package, should not be consumed at a time. When using the product in children, you can apply it to only one wart. In addition to warts, this drug is indicated for the treatment of chronic calluses, softening rough areas of the epidermis on the skin of the feet. Typically, the course of use of this remedy does not last longer than 1 week. This product is produced by the Egyptian company Heinrich Mak, and 10 ml of solution in a bottle with a cap will cost 350 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

During treatment, there is usually slight redness in the area of ​​swelling in the healthy skin around the wart. It usually disappears after two days, and there is no need to be afraid. This is normal. Treatment with Collomac is painless, and after a few days a dark brown scab appears on the wart. Under no circumstances should it be removed; the scab should fall off on its own. In addition to these minor unpleasant symptoms, salicylate intolerance and acid interaction with some other medications, for example, sulfonylurea derivatives, which are used for diabetes, are possible. Also, a relative disadvantage will be the need to wait until the solution dries, the drug cannot be used in children under 1 year of age, and, most importantly, the product must be applied only to simple warts, and it is forbidden to apply Collomac to birthmarks, formations in the genital area, faces or covered hairs.

Verrucacid

Rating: 4.8

This is a domestic remedy for combating warts, which has a very simple composition: aromatic alcohol phenol and metacresol. Together, these two active chemicals cauterize, coagulate the skin, and exhibit an antiseptic effect. Verrukacid is indicated not only for ordinary warts located on the skin of the hands and feet, but also in the presence of papillomas, dry calluses, keratomas and genital warts.

This drug must be applied once with a thin wooden stick to small warts and papillomas, the size of which does not exceed 2 mm. If the formations are larger, then you need to lubricate them several times, usually 3 to 4, repeating the application after each drying. Typically, to completely eliminate warts on the hands and soles, it is necessary to apply Verrucacid 7 to 10 times at intervals of 3 minutes. In order not to cause a burn to the surrounding normal areas of the skin, it is necessary to lubricate the wart around the circumference with zinc paste for preventive purposes. As for genital warts, it is recommended that the procedure for their removal with Verrucacid be carried out by a dermatovenereologist or urologist. As in the previous case, a scab appears on the warts, which disappears on its own after an average of a week.

If, after it has fallen off, it turns out that the formation has not been completely removed, you can re-treat it. If necessary, the number of such repeated procedures can reach 4 or 5. This drug is produced by the domestic pharmaceutical company Retinoids, and it is available in a 2 ml bottle, and its cost is 240 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of Verrukacid will be a rather rough action, since the ingredients are not specific and dermatotropic. But, despite their high overall activity, the effect may not develop immediately, and in extreme cases, treatment can be carried out up to 5 courses, which will take a total time of more than a month. Verrucacid is contraindicated in the presence of formations on the mucous membranes and borders of the lips, in children under seven years of age, and there is also a limitation on the area of ​​the lesion. It should not be applied to skin with a total area of ​​more than 20 square centimeters to avoid systemic resorption. On the other hand, the advantage is ease of use and low price.

Solcoderm

Rating: 4.8

The real “hell mixture” for warts is Solcoderm. It contains copper nitrate, strong nitric and acetic acids, as well as lactic and oxalic acids. It is produced in liquid form. One package is just one ampoule with a volume of 0.2 milliliters, almost 2-3 drops. Such a small volume is dictated by safety considerations. Very strong acids can cause serious burns, especially if they get into the mouth or eyes, and can also cause damage to property in everyday life.

When treated with Solcoderm, drying and necrosis of the affected tissue quickly develops. Initially, when applied to the skin, it discolors and then becomes pale or yellow. This is a characteristic sign of drying and mummification. The fabric is already considered dead, and then all that remains for it is to lose water and acquire a dark brown color. The resulting scab peels off on its own painlessly after a few days.

Solcoderm is applied to common and plantar warts; it can be used if the patient has genital warts, with certain types of nevi, but with mandatory confirmation of its benignity. If the wart is removed inappropriately, there may be overdose effects and damage to the deep layers of tissue, so Solcoderm should be applied either by a doctor or directly under medical supervision, with preliminary treatment of the skin area with ethyl alcohol or ether. First you need to remove the stratum corneum on the warts, if any. To improve necrotization of the epidermis, preferably after applying Solcoderm and drying it up to 3 times a day, these areas should be treated with 70% ethyl alcohol.

Solcoderm is produced by the company Valeant, and such a small ampoule costs 955 rubles, which makes it one of the most expensive in wide pharmacy sales. If the quantity was 2 ml (2 cc in total), then this ampoule would cost about 10 thousand rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Solcoderm is its speed of action, high activity, and side effects include a slight short-term burning sensation, and possibly subsequent scar formation. The disadvantage of Solcoderm is its extremely high cost, given the extremely small volume of packaging, and the low cost of the original components, which are produced in tens of tons at chemical plants. The inconvenience will be the need to involve medical personnel in the process, the subsequent use of strong ethyl alcohol, as well as the chemical instability of the solution. This fact means that one ampoule is intended only to treat one wart, and only once. It's definitely very expensive. Otherwise, this remedy is very effective, and if the patient has a single and small wart, then Solcoderm is an excellent choice. Of course, if you have a thousand rubles for a “one-time” procedure.

Kondilin

Rating: 4.7

As the name of this drug, produced by Yamanouchi, suggests, it is intended for the elimination of genital warts. And, although condylomas are not exactly warts, it is necessary to include in the rating at least one product specifically created for reducing condylomas. Condilin contains podophyllotoxin, which has not only a cauterizing and mummifying effect, as in the previous case, but also a so-called antimitotic effect. In illiterately written articles on the Internet they sometimes write “antimycotic,” that is, antifungal, but fungi have absolutely nothing to do with it. Antimitotic means “preventing mitosis,” which is the division and reproduction of cells. This is why Kondilin is much more expensive than its predecessors, because in addition to chemical destruction, it “prohibits” cell division and prevents relapses.

You should know that Condilin is specially created for the treatment of genital warts only, and you should not apply it to warts; this is unlikely to lead to any desired effect. Special applicators that come with the package are a plastic ring on a long handle. It needs to be dipped in the solution and then put on the condyloma, thus coating it on all sides. Condilin should be applied in this way for 3 days, morning and evening, after 12 hours. Then they take a break of 4 days, and then continue again. In this case, the course should not exceed 1 month. The cost of one 3.5 ml package of Condilin with an active ingredient content of 0.5% is on average 3,000 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Condilin is a powerful modern remedy that lasts for a long time. But it is advisable to apply it directly to condylomas, since the drug is quite allergenic. Side effects include itching, burning, small ulcers, inflammatory signs, swelling, redness and soreness. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out treatment under the supervision of a doctor. Before you start applying the drug, you should smear the surrounding healthy tissue around (for example, on the head of the penis) with zinc ointment or Vaseline.

lapis pencil

Rating: 4.6

Lapis is silver nitrate, which is also a cauterizing compound. Lapis pencil is used not only in medicine, but also in jewelry: applying it to metal makes it possible to distinguish between gold and counterfeit. It is almost forgotten by modern medicine, but in vain. In addition to the bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, the lapis pencil also cauterizes and necrotizes the epidermis very well. If small warts appear on the hands or feet, then if you immediately use a lapis pencil, you can get rid of them without any expensive drugs. Silver nitrate has a bactericidal effect and prevents the human papillomavirus (HPV) from developing in warts.

How to use a lapis pencil to remove warts? To do this, you need to wet the tip in cold water and rub the wart once or twice a day. Each pencil comes with instructions, and the duration of the course of treatment should be determined based on these instructions. It is produced by Ignakamf LLC, Russia, Manturovo. One pencil costs 145 rubles, which is very inexpensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Lapis pencil is an inexpensive first-line treatment that can reduce common warts vulgaris immediately after they appear, and it will be a very effective remedy. Perhaps only hypersensitivity to silver does not allow its use. A contraindication would be the presence of warts near the mucous membranes, red border of the lips, and the eye area. In addition, in no case should you smear healthy skin with a lapis pencil, as this can cause a chemical burn, albeit not as pronounced.

Cauterization of papillomas with iodine

Cauterization of papillomas with iodine is the most accessible and cheapest method of eliminating formations.

Used in the presence of small growths.

As a rule, iodine is not used in its pure form, since it cannot have the desired effect on its own.

When removing small formations, 5% iodine is mixed with salicylic acid (2% solution).

In a ratio of 1:2 (one part iodine, two parts salicylic acid).

Apply baby cream or Vaseline to the area around the papilloma.

Next, using a cotton swab or ear swab, carefully apply the resulting mixture.

Salicylic acid has a softening effect, and iodine cauterizes and at the same time carries out coagulation.

Such treatment has no contraindications, except for the removal of papillomas that are located on the mucous membrane and individual intolerance to the components.

Cauterization of papillomas with iodine is relevant for neoplasms on the neck, face, and genital area that are not in contact with the mucous membranes.

But it is necessary to take into account that the procedure will not be able to completely eliminate the formation the first time.

As a rule, this therapy lasts for several weeks and even months.

Do-it-yourself cryodestruction of warts

The use of cauterizing drugs is not entirely safe. There is a completely different direction for the destruction of warts, namely with the help of ultra-low temperatures. Typically liquid nitrogen is used for this. No preparation is required; you can do everything yourself, since there is no special movement technique for this. Instant freezing of warts immediately relieves pain, or, in extreme cases, only causes a feeling of mild discomfort.

Cold instantly coagulates the vessels, and therefore bleeding does not occur with such removal methods. If liquid nitrogen is applied correctly, cryodestruction does not cause the development of scar tissue. What modern drugs are sold in pharmacies to reduce warts using extreme cold? This choice is small. On the modern domestic market these are two Western drugs: Cryopharma and Wartner Cryo. Let's look at them. Since the drugs are very similar, it makes no sense to study them separately. The only difference is that Wartner Cryo has a 15 ml larger bottle, has a different name and is manufactured in Ireland. Their price is approximately the same: more than 900, but less than 1000 rubles for the end of 2022.

Cryopharma and Wartner Cryo – European quality cryodestruction

Rating: 4.8

Cryopharma is nitrogen in a 35 ml aerosol can produced by Pharma spray, the Netherlands. This drug is able to remove small and medium-sized warts, including old and plantar warts. The active ingredient is liquid nitrogen, which is released from a cylinder under pressure at a temperature of minus 196 degrees. You should carefully study the instructions: a special applicator is attached to the can, which must be put on the can, and then applied tightly to the wart, and then press on the can. A sign of correct application is a slight burning sensation and complete whitening of the wart after exposure to nitrogen.

Typically, the duration of cooling varies depending on the size of the wart. In the case of small formations, this is 10 seconds; in the case of plantar formations, which are covered with a thick layer of keratinized epidermis, the exposure time can be up to 40 seconds. Most often, one time is enough. If the wart is old or has a very keratinized surface, then two or even three sessions of cryotherapy may be needed. If after 3 sessions the wart has not been removed, then consultation with a specialist is necessary. The average cost of one cylinder is 950 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The general advantages of cryodestruction were described in the introduction to this section. The preparations are really very convenient, the applicator (Wartner Cryo is also available with an applicator) allows you to completely cover the wart and does not cause nitrogen leakage. However, it is not always possible to remove a wart correctly right away. In some cases, it is not possible to treat a hard-to-reach location, such as a wart on the back wall of the armpit. A large wart must be removed in several stages, and one bottle is enough for only 12 warts, and this is provided that they are not large. It is also quite difficult to control the depth of penetration: if the cold damages the tissue deeper than necessary, a scar may develop.

Quite often, for several days after the procedure, mild soreness, burning and redness of the skin are felt. Unlike chemical scabs, with cold freezing there is a longer healing time, which can even last up to a month. Finally, cryosurgery is a “imprecise” treatment and can be compared to shooting at squares. While the application of the same Solcoderm can be done very precisely, then spraying liquid nitrogen under pressure with such precision will never work, and the cooling area will be much larger than the wart. Almost always, during cryodestruction, healthy areas are also affected.

Trichloroacetic acid for cauterization of papillomas

Trichloroacetic acid is a liquid for cauterizing papillomas.

Stops the development of infected cells and prevents their further reproduction.

Trichloroacetic acid is applied by a doctor with a cotton swab to warts, papillomas/condylomas.

This treatment method is suitable for small, soft genital warts in the mucous membrane area (in the vagina).

Among the disadvantages of the method, it is worth noting burning and pain after applying the solution.

The advantage is the elimination of formations without tissue scarring.

Acid can only be used in very small quantities.

Excessive use requires neutralization with sodium bicarbonate.

Due to the potentially high risk of misuse, trichloroacetic acid should only be used by a physician in an outpatient setting.

Today, this method of therapy is rarely used; it has been replaced by more modern and gentle therapeutic methods.

An analogue of trichloroacetic acid is Solkovagin, which is also used to cauterize papillomas and warts.

The second, more expensive drug is Solcoderm, which can cauterize papillomas in intimate places.

The best keratolytics for warts

Keratolytic drugs often come to the aid of both the first and second groups of drugs. If a wart is covered with a large and thick layer of hard horny mass, then it is difficult to etch with chemicals and may not freeze immediately. Therefore, before using cryodestruction or chemical necrosis, in some cases it is necessary to clear away layers of both dense plantar warts and neoplasms of other localizations, covered with a thick stratum corneum. For this purpose, a group of keratolytics is used.

Vartox - cream paste

Rating: 4.9

Vartox is a cream paste, something between liquid and thick. It can easily cope with small warts and thorns on its own, and does not require the use of aggressive chemical methods or cryodestruction methods. Its effect is that carbamide, or urea, intensively softens the skin, removes horny layers, and glycyrrhizic acid, which is found in licorice root, helps suppress the human papillomavirus.

This paste is used in some cases together with steaming the wart in hot water, after which it is delicately processed with a pumice stone or a foot scraper. After the wart has become soft and the stratum corneum has significantly decreased, you should take a cotton pad, apply cream paste to it, and apply it to the softened and steamed wart. After this, the affected area must be sealed with a plaster, and accidental contact with water should be avoided. The duration of action of the ointment is one day. After this, the remaining paste is washed off, and everything is repeated again. Usually after several sessions, but no more than five, the wart disappears. Between applying Vartox cream paste, you can also use folk remedies, for example, applying a clove of garlic, or alternate this paste with the application of a special keratolytic patch. A tube with 20g of cream paste costs 270 rubles, it is produced by ZAO Zelenaya Dubrava, Russia.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Vartox cream paste is its low cost and widespread availability, but the disadvantage is the rather long process of eliminating a wart and the need to keep your hand dry. And if the wart is on the body, then it is necessary to periodically refrain from water procedures during treatment. An additional disadvantage is the need to treat the wart either with a special scraper or with a pumice stone. If you do not steam it enough, you can damage the formation, cause bleeding or even infection, therefore, when applying for the first time, you must take special care, take your time, steam the wart as best as possible, and before using the scraper, use an antiseptic: hydrogen peroxide, a weak solution of potassium permanganate, or even regular cologne.

Salipod

Rating: 4.8

If you go to the pharmacy and ask for a patch for plantar warts, then most likely they will offer you Salipod. These are products of the domestic company Veropharm, which are widely represented in pharmacies and are inexpensive. Thus, a patch with an area of ​​60 square centimeters (6*10) costs, on average, only 80 rubles. It contains an effective keratolytic - salicylic acid, which intensively softens the keratinized surface and prevents the growth of fungi and microorganisms on it. Additional components are sulfur, which dries and prevents the formation of weeping calluses. Additional ingredients are rosin, lanolin and organic rubber. They soften the skin, disinfect and stimulate the formation of new tissue, and rubber provides elasticity and adhesion of the patch to the skin.

The scheme for using Salipod for plantar warts and various types of keratinized calluses, including core ones, is exactly the same as when using Vartox cream paste described above. First, you need to steam the callus or wart, carefully treat it with a pumice stone or a special scraper after disinfection, and then fix it with an adhesive plaster on the affected area for 24 hours. After this, the place is processed again, and everything is repeated again.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you combine the use of Salipod with the subsequent application of a cauterizing drug, for example, Solcoderm, or then you can achieve a double effect: both removal of the wart and less consumption of expensive Solcoderm due to the fact that the wart will be pre-prepared. Therefore, despite the fact that Solcoderm is a “one-time” remedy, the use of Salipod will allow Solcoderm to reduce not one, but two or even three warts.

Salicylic acid

Rating: 4.8

Finally, salicylic acid can also be used to soften warts. However, its concentration should be high, no less than 10%. At the same time, in pharmacies you can find acid of a rather weak concentration, which does not exceed 1 or 2%. But if you manage to find a suitable remedy, then it can be applied to the wart once a day, and treat this area before application in the same way as in the case of Salipod and Vartox cream paste. This cheap method is suitable for small warts, since salicylic acid, applied separately, has a greater risk of causing burns, does not improve skin trophism and healing, and if applied to very small areas. Perhaps this is the cheapest of all products, since you can buy a bottle of salicylic acid with a strength of 10 to 60% for an amount not exceeding 50 rubles, and it lasts for a long time.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of using salicylic acid is its simplicity and low cost, but you should not skimp on your health, and to soften and reduce small warts it is better to use special preparations, for example Vartox or Salipod paste. There are also special contraindications. Thus, salicylic acid is contraindicated in the presence of severe chronic skin diseases, psoriasis, decompensated diabetes mellitus and suspected malignant degeneration of a wart.

Imiquimod cream for cauterization of papillomas

Imiquimod does not have a direct antiviral effect.

The cream modifies the immune response by activating messenger substances.

Such as interferons and cytokines, which play a role in cell communication and can influence cell function.

The product can also be found under the name Keravort.

Local therapy is carried out three times a week, the drug is applied to the papilloma before bedtime.

The maximum duration of use of the drug is 4 months.

The advantage of Imiquimod cream is the low incidence of recurrent genital warts (less than 20% as a result of a sustained immune response).

Imiquimod should not be used for genital papillomas in the vagina, cervix, lining of the glans penis or anus.

The best antiviral and immune remedies for warts

Finally, in conclusion of the rating of drugs for reducing warts, we need to consider drugs that not only act locally, but also produce a systemic effect. We are talking about a group of antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs. They are appropriate to use in the complex treatment of warts when the human papillomavirus persists in the body against the background of a low immune response. They are indicated for various immunodeficiencies and other pathological conditions.

It makes no sense to prescribe immunomodulatory and antiviral therapy to a person who has only one vulgar wart, which, most likely, can be dealt with on his own. But in the event that there is recurrent condylomatosis with damage to the anogenital zone, with the presence of a herpetic infection in the body, such remedies will be indicated.

By themselves, they do not treat warts, and after taking pills or injections, these formations do not dissolve or fall off. But immune drugs prevent recurrence, or the formation of warts in new places. Let's consider tablet and local preparations, and the most famous of them is ordinary oxolinic ointment.

Oxolinic ointment (dioxotetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene)

Rating: 4.9

We are all accustomed to the fact that oxolinic ointment is produced to lubricate the nasal passages as a means of prevention during a flu epidemic. But for an antiviral effect on warts, a completely different ointment is needed, with a concentration 6 times stronger, or 3%. If you managed to buy such an ointment, then you need to lubricate the warts from one to 3 times a day for a long time, which can last from a month to two months. It is possible to lubricate the wart with ointment at night, followed by applying wax paper under the bandage so that the ointment works for a long time. This remedy helps to significantly reduce the activity of herpes viruses, papillomaviruses and molluscum contagiosum. The Tula Pharmaceutical Factory produces oxolinic ointment, and a 10 g tube with a concentration of 3% costs 340 rubles. This is significantly more expensive than the usual 0.25% nasal ointment, which costs 20-30 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of oxolinic ointment is its chemical inertness, the ability to combine antiviral treatment with the application of keratolytic drugs, and also be used as preliminary therapy before cryodestruction. So, if the patient notices that chemical removal of the wart or destruction with liquid nitrogen causes a relapse (which indicates the activity of the virus), then the preliminary use of oxolinic ointment can significantly reduce the wart’s ability to recur. The downside is a rather inconvenient and lengthy course, more designed to “starve out the virus” in conditions of immunodeficiency. Therefore, if a person wants a quick effect, then this method is not suitable for him.

Isoprinosine (Groprinosin, Normomed)

Rating: 4.8

Isoprinosine is a strong immunostimulant and is used for many viral diseases, both acute and chronic form. The first include influenza, measles, chickenpox, monocytic tonsillitis (or infectious mononucleosis). And among chronic viral conditions there is papillomavirus infection, which most often causes warts. The drug is available in 500 mg tablets, and the immunostimulating effect is associated with the expression of receptors in the T-helper population, and with an increase in the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes. It is necessary to use the drug 6-8 tablets per day for an adult, with the current dosage of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, if divided into 3 doses. Duration of treatment is from 1 to 2 weeks. A package of 30 tablets, which is unlikely to last an adult for a week, is quite expensive - 1,100 rubles. It is produced by Luzomedicamenta of Portugal.

This remedy must be prescribed by a doctor based on low immunogram values, and usually one or two warts are completely insufficient to waste 1000 rubles. Therefore, the prescription of isoprinosine will be justified only in case of high activity of the virus according to the results of tests, for example, determination of antibodies in blood plasma and PCR for human papillomavirus.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of this remedy, as mentioned above, is the inability to cope with warts without local treatment. All immune agents are preventative. Isoprinosine can be used to “cover up” against the background of high viral activity in the body, and this will avoid relapses and the appearance of new warts to replace old ones. The relative disadvantage is the high price, but the advantage is the ability to influence the immune system in a systemic manner and develop the body’s resistance not only to the human papillomavirus, but also to increase resistance during an epidemic of influenza and adenoviral infection.

Prevention

After removing papillomas, it is recommended to prevent their formation. To do this, you need to undergo a course of treatment with the following drugs 2 times a year:

• Isoprinosine and Groprinosine. Antiviral and immunomodulatory agents increase the body's resistance to the HPV virus.
• Rimantadine. This is a powerful drug that destroys the shell of the papillomavirus. Can be used after contact with an HPV carrier.
• Podophyllin. Includes natural components that damage virus cells and prevent their division.
• Acyclovir. The tablets affect HPV. They are integrated into the genetic material of the virus, which prevents the growth of papillomas.

To avoid becoming infected with HPV, it is recommended:

• get vaccinated;
• visit a doctor annually and take the necessary tests to detect the virus at an early stage;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• use condoms;
• lead a healthy lifestyle.

Papillomas on the eyelids - how is the disease treated?

There are two main ways to treat this disease: conservative and procedural. The choice of method is determined by the doctor. Often, medications are first prescribed to weaken the virus and strengthen the immune system. The growth itself can only be eliminated through surgery. You should not remove the growth yourself at home without consulting a specialist.

To treat the eyelids, the patient is prescribed solutions “Ferezol”, “Verrukatsid”, “Superchistotel”, as well as antiviral ointments “Acyclovir”, “Zirgan”, “Bonafton” or “Korneregel”. These drugs reduce the activity of the virus. After this, the papillomas on the eyelid are removed.

Why is papilloma on the eyelid dangerous?

As a rule, papillomas are not dangerous and the prognosis for treatment is always favorable. However, there are a number of reasons that force the removal of this tumor. This disease may be a sign of cancer. Also, papillomas must be removed if they lead to a decrease in the quality of vision. If very large growths occur, as well as the formation of multiple papillomas, its complete loss is possible.

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, it is necessary to carefully observe the rules of hygiene, promptly treat any minor injuries, scratches on the eyelids, play sports, eat right, that is, promote health and immunity in every possible way.

Causes of HPV infection and development of the disease

Infection with papillomavirus can occur at the stage of birth of a child, while he is passing through the birth canal. The virus can be transmitted through contact and household contact in the first years of life. In adults, most cases of infection occur through sexual contact.

Risk factors include:

1. Illness of one of the parents or family members.
2. Frequent change of sexual partners, unprotected contacts.
3. Gynecological manipulations: installation of a spiral, abortion.
4. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptive pills.
5. Hormonal imbalance caused by other reasons.
6. Pregnancy and the postpartum period in women.
7. Various diseases of the reproductive system.
8. Hypothermia of the pelvic organs.
9. Smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.
10. Chronic stress, diseases of the nervous system.

Infection with a virus does not always lead to the development of disease. Human papillomavirus infection can be suppressed by a strong human immune system. Therefore, the HPV treatment regimen sometimes includes taking immunomodulator pills.

What is papillomavirus

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of small viruses that contain DNA. These viruses cause pathologies of epithelial tissue. The main method of transmission of infection is unprotected sexual contact. Scientists have discovered more than 200 strains of HPV, of which 29 strains are oncogenic. Dangerous strains cause malignant degeneration of epithelial cells.

The relationship between HPV infection and the development of malignant tumors has been scientifically proven. The papillomavirus is integrated into the human genome, which leads to a failure of the program embedded in the DNA. When epithelial cells divide, the affected gene is transferred to new cells. This is how the virus penetrates into the deep layers of tissue.

The infection is asymptomatic until cells with an altered genome begin to reproduce cancer cells. HPV causes cancer:

• cervix;
• vulva and vagina;
• penis;
• anal canal;
• throat and larynx;
• neck and scalp;
• stomach and esophagus.

The growth of benign tumors is also possible: papillomas, condylomas, anogenital warts. Complications include recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (in adults and children). This disease leads to difficulty breathing and obstruction of the airways.

Stages of HPV development

After infection, the latent stage of the disease begins. The virus is already present in the body and is localized in epithelial cells. But so far there are no symptoms that would suggest a human papillomavirus infection. When the virus is dormant, laboratory tests may show a negative result. The latent stage lasts from a couple of weeks to tens of years.

Papillomavirus multiplies in epithelial cells. The number of affected cells increases, and the disease enters the subclinical stage. The first small tissue pathologies appear, not yet visible to the naked eye. The presence of papillomavirus can be determined in a laboratory. The affected epithelium becomes more sensitive to bacterial and chemical influences.

At the clinical stage, formations appear on the skin. To stop the spread of infection and prevent complications, you should consult a doctor in time.

Degrees of oncogenicity of strains

1. Non-oncogenic. Provoke the development of benign tumors. The DNA of these viruses is not prone to mutations that cause cancer.
2. Low degree of oncogenicity. They can lead to the formation of a cancerous tumor in combination with other risk factors (heredity, weak immunity, bad habits).
3. High degree of oncogenicity. Directly provoke the growth of malignant tumors.

Classification of viral strains

All HPV strains are divided into cutaneous and mucosotropic. Skin viruses lead to the formation of benign tumors on the skin. Mucosotropic provoke the appearance of neoplasms on the mucous membranes.

Skin strains provoke the development of different types of papillomas:

1. Flat. Round nodules with a diameter of up to 10 mm. They do not turn into cancer.
2. Pointed. Shaped like a cockscomb. These are pink formations covered with horny cells.
3. Thread-like. Round papillomas on a thin stalk. Diameter up to 7 mm.

Mucosotropic strains cause the following diseases:

1. Bowenoid papulosis. The appearance of spots and plaques on the genitals.
2. Dysplasia. Pathological degeneration of cervical tissue.
3. Inguinal condylomas. Ball-shaped tumors on a stalk.

If benign tumors appear, you should consult a doctor. A dermatovenerologist will determine the type of papillomavirus and the degree of its danger, and prescribe a treatment regimen for the infection.

Possible complications

Human papillomavirus infection can cause severe or mild complications. The most severe possible complication is the development of malignant tumors. Oncogenic strains of the virus cause cellular mutations that contribute to the transformation of benign tumors into malignant ones.

Cervical dysplasia precedes the development of cancer. Papillomas on the larynx grow and cause attacks of suffocation. HPV increases the likelihood of cancer of the stomach, intestines, and respiratory system.

Benign formations on the skin seem less dangerous than cancer. But we do not recommend delaying their treatment. Condylomas, papillomas and warts can accidentally come off. In their place, a bleeding wound forms, into which pathogenic microorganisms easily penetrate. Large defects can leave unsightly scars if the removal is not carried out in the office of a dermatovenerologist.

Intraurethral condylomas may be accompanied by inflammation and bleeding from the urethra.

Advantages of the Private Practice Clinic

1. Certification in all areas of work.
2. The consultation is conducted by experienced dermatovenerologists and gynecologists.
3. The latest methods of treating diseases.
4. Possibility of removing papillomas and condylomas using all currently known modern methods without pain and serious scars.
5. Results of express tests on the day of treatment.
6. Individual approach to each patient.
7. Polite and friendly staff.
8. You can undergo diagnosis and treatment anonymously.
9. Convenient location of the clinic in the center of Moscow and Southern Administrative District.
10. Parking for visitors to the medical center.

When to see a doctor

There is no universal way to get rid of the papilloma virus in the body. The treatment regimen is prescribed by a dermatovenerologist after reviewing the test results and the patient’s medical history. When should you visit a dermatovenerologist:

• Since childhood, your skin has had many warts, papillomas, and condylomas;
• skin defects have begun to appear en masse recently;
• you notice strange discharge from the genitals;
• you began to feel itching and burning in the perineum;
• unpleasant sensations appeared during sexual intercourse;
• you started self-treatment for HPV, but did not get results;
• you are planning to have a child (then both partners should be checked);
• you have not been tested for sexually transmitted infections for more than a year.

We recommend getting tested regularly for HPV, even if you have no symptoms and are not planning a pregnancy. Sometimes the latent stage of the disease can last for years. The virus may be present in the body, but not manifest itself in any way. Early diagnosis will help avoid the development of complications.