Genital warts are small outgrowths of an infectious nature on the skin in the genital area . They are a manifestation of a disease that is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Outside the medical field, they are called genital or genital warts. What causes their appearance and how to get rid of genital warts, we will discuss in the article.
Causes of occurrence
Genital genital warts are a manifestation of human papillomavirus infection (PVI), in particular, the HPV-6 and HPV-11 viruses. Infection occurs during sexual intercourse through injured skin or mucous membrane.
Most carriers of the virus do not suffer from clinical manifestations, but they easily become a viral reservoir for their healthy partner, without even realizing it. The disease is not characterized by sexual selectivity. Both men and women are at risk, but in women, clinical manifestations are more visible.
Infection
In addition to the sexual route of transmission, PVI is characterized by a contact path and a vertical one (from mother to child during labor). Statistics show that 80% of women are infected just a few years after the onset of sexual activity.
Genital warts appear after about a few months. The manifest period can be delayed up to 9-12 months from the moment of infection. Some types of virus can cause the development of malignant neoplasms. However, not all variations are so aggressive. It all depends on the strain of papillomavirus and the human immune system.
The clinical picture of infection
Genital warts (genital wart) is considered an exophytic form, that is, protruding above the surface of the skin or mucous membrane. Favorite places of localization:
- Cervix;
- the walls of the vagina;
- vulva;
- inguinal area ;
- crotch;
- prianalny area.
Genital warts in women like to be located on the small and large labia, clitoris, external opening of the urethra.
Visual characteristics and colposcopic examination allow us to diagnose three main types of growths, although they are united by one term "spiky":
- papillary;
- papuloid;
- actually peaked.
The formations of all three groups have a different appearance, but the same structure and growth features. The value can vary from a small speck to an extensive tumor with spike-like growths. They have a light or dark color (brown and even black).
Genital warts, photos of which can be seen on specialized sites and pages of educational literature, can absolutely not disturb an infected person. In other patients, discomfort appears, however, mainly due to a violation of the aesthetic appearance. People complain of anxiety, guilt, complexes, decreased self-esteem, anxiety due to the fact that they may have problems with having children or malignancy.
During sexual contact, the skin and mucous membranes are easily injured, which causes the appearance of pain, itching, burning, bleeding.
Should I abstain from sex?
Until genital warts are cured and completely disappear, experts recommend that you refrain from sexual intercourse (including oral and anal). Using a condom as a protection against infection will not give a result, since an important link is direct contact with the skin of the partner, and this is a fairly large area.
Disease differentiation
Genital warts (genital warts) should be differentiated from molluscum contagiosum, broad papilloma, dermatitis, psoriasis, polyp, cancer, hypertrophic sebaceous glands.
| What is the differentiation made with? | Features |
| Molluscum contagiosum | The wart has a curdled content and pulls in the center |
| Syphilitic wide condylomas | They have a flat shape, pink-red color, dense |
| Squamous papillomas | Outgrowths of connective tissue that do not fuse with each other. Cytology determines the presence of normal squamous epithelium |
| Psoriasis | Plaques protrude above the skin, covered with rough scales. |
| Allergic dermatitis | Bulges protrude slightly above the skin, merge with each other, have a pink tint. After using antihistamines, they disappear or decrease sharply |
| Fibroepithelial polyp | It is characterized by the absence of an atypical arrangement of blood vessels. |
| Papular genital necklace in men | The presence of individual papules located near the bridle or around the circumference of the penis, with a diameter of up to 2 mm each |
| Urethral mucosal eversion | Manifestations are localized only near the external opening, the condition normalizes after applying creams with estrogens |
| Oncological diseases | Confirmed by cytological examination |
Diagnostic measures
The doctor conducts a visual assessment, determining the following characteristics of genital warts:
- color;
- quantity;
- localization
- form;
- sizes
- the presence of a merger with each other.
If genital warts are located in the urethra, vagina or anus, urethroscopy, colposcopy, or anoscopy are performed, respectively. In exceptional cases, a biopsy is used - in the presence of pathological pigmentation, atypical form, recurrent growths, the presence of ulcers, necrosis, complicated diagnosis.
To clarify the diagnosis, a test is carried out with a 5% solution of acetic acid. For this, a liquid is applied to a medical napkin and applied to the area of formations for 5 minutes. Confirmation will be if the warts become whitish.
Immunity
Scientists have proved that the PVI clinic is accompanied by changes in the general and local immunity, which suggest the activation of the virus. This leads to uncontrolled administration of immunopreparations. The use of the latter is unreasonable, their effectiveness is not confirmed by data obtained during clinical trials.
Experts say that more attention should be paid to provocative factors and to combat their appearance. These include:
- STI
- frequent change of partners;
- bad habits, especially smoking;
- menstrual irregularities.
Removal of genital warts
Treatment of genital warts depends on their morphological characteristics, size, location, quantity, age, the presence of pregnancy. Traditional methods of combating genital warts:
- Cryodestruction - the affected area is treated with liquid nitrogen. The procedure is repeated every few weeks until all growths disappear. May cause a violation of skin pigmentation.
- Laser destruction - doctors use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which allows you to selectively affect the affected area without touching the surrounding tissue.
- Electrocoagulation is a less gentle procedure, but it has the best result. The operated area heals quickly, but anesthesia is needed.
- Argon plasma ablation is the action of electromagnetic field energy using a torch of argon plasma. Causes tissue heating and coagulation.
- Mechanical removal of genital warts with a scalpel and medical scissors using local anesthesia.
The choice of treatment method is carried out jointly by the doctor and the patient.
Drug therapy
The effectiveness of local drugs is based on their ability to cause necrosis and destruction of papillomas.
"Condilin" is a drug with antimycotic and cytostatic effects. The tool blocks the multiplication of cells at the metaphase stage. Application to the area of genital warts causes the development of necrosis and mummification of the latter.
The kit includes special applicators that allow you to collect the solution and apply it so as to protect the surrounding tissue from contact. The tool does not process more than 50 growths at a time. The course of treatment is twice a day for 3 days.
"Solkoderm" - a mixture of acids (acetic, nitric, oxalic, lactic) and copper nitrate in the form of a solution. It is applied to the infection zone using an applicator, staining it in yellow. The treatment is carried out by a medical professional. If necessary, the procedure is repeated after a month.
In the treatment of medium and large papillomas, Imiquimod is used - a cream that allows the immune system to fight the pathogen. It is applied three times a week before bedtime, and in the morning it is washed off with warm water and soap. The result is noticeable after several weeks of treatment.
Trichloroacetic acid is an effective and safe means during pregnancy. It disrupts protein synthesis in pathological growths, causing their death. The drug is a concentrate and may cause a burning sensation at the site of application, however, it disappears quickly enough.
Viferon gel and ointment possess not only antiviral, but also immunostimulating effect. Assigned in combination with other drugs to enhance the result of therapy. The tool is applied up to 5 times a day for a week.
The use of any of the drugs requires consultation with a specialist. Self-medication in this case is not allowed.
Preventive measures
Compliance with the following rules will prevent the occurrence of genital warts and infection with PVI:
- monogamous sexual relations;
- avoidance of contacts with unfamiliar persons;
- strengthening the immune system;
- the introduction of the Gardasil quadrivalent vaccine, which not only protects against papillomavirus, but also is the prevention of cervical cancer.
It should be remembered that it is impossible to completely cure the disease. Removal of genital warts and the use of medications can eliminate local manifestations, but the virus remains in the body. Prevention of infection will not only save the budget and condition of the nervous system, but also health in general.