How HPV is diagnosed
Diagnosis of papillomavirus infection requires a complex approach. Infection is suspected during the external examination of the patient: the doctor sees characteristic formations on the skin. They are additionally examined using a dermatoscope, a device for examining skin formations. To clarify their nature, a biopsy may be taken: a small sample of tissue for further study under a microscope. The PCR reaction makes it possible to accurately determine the strain of HPV that caused the detected skin changes. In addition, tests are prescribed to study the state of the immune system, detection of concomitant diseases.
Today, more than 200 types of papillomaviruses are known. They can be both oncogenic (that is, cause cancer) and non-oncogenic. Most often, formations on the face occur due to the non-oncogenic human papilloma virus. Papilloma is easy to distinguish from other skin problems. Most often, this is an education that protrudes above the skin, pale pink in color. Sometimes it can rise on a small leg above the surface of the skin. The size of papillomas varies from 0.2 cm to 0.5 cm. Sometimes their size can reach 1 cm in diameter. Such formations usually do not suppurate. Papillomas do not change after their formation and do not go away by themselves." To get rid of neoplasms on the skin of the face, it is better to consult a dermatologist.
Treatment of papillomavirus infection and removal of papillomas
Treatment of papillomavirus infection in men and women is not only the direct removal of papillomas, but also correction of the work of the immune system. There are various methods based on the use of immunomodulatory drugs in combination with laser or radiosurgical removal of growths. Excision of formations with the help of laser coagulation is a safe method that allows radical and simultaneous removal. The operation is performed quickly, in outpatient conditions using local anesthesia. After removal, no marks or scars remain.
Today, the safest and most reliable method of papilloma removal is radio waves. For this, a special device is used, specially developed for radio wave surgery — a unique non-contact method of cutting soft tissues with the help of high frequency radio waves. This happens due to the heat released by tissues when high-frequency waves penetrate them. When working with papillomas, a very thin electrode is used on such a device. A radio wave with a frequency of about 4 MHz is concentrated in it. Papilloma tissues evaporate under its influence, the skin does not heat up and the patient feels almost nothing.
The method is universal because the device adjusts the power and wave form to remove neoplasms on any skin area. The device burns out the papilloma without pain and discomfort for the patient, and only a small crust remains completely. The technique of radiosurgery completely excludes painful contractions of muscles or nerve endings, therefore it is one of the most painful methods in modern medicine.
There is also a method of cryodestruction - freezing the neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. It does not damage the skin, does not cause bleeding, and the procedure itself is quick and painless. Cryodestruction is most often used by specialists to remove papillomas on the face of children.
Prevention
There is no specific prevention of infection caused by the human papilloma virus. It is important to avoid promiscuous sexual relations, as well as to use barrier methods of contraception.
Rehabilitation after treatment
Recovery after the removal procedure is quick and usually without complications. During the day, it is not possible to wet papillomas crusts that have formed on the spot. Therefore, washing should be avoided. The doctor will prescribe special solutions to treat the damaged area and tell how often and for how many days it should be done. You can also not visit the sauna and the gym for one week after the operation.
Is it possible to get rid of papillomas on your own?
Many people have this question. There are home remedies for acne, warts and age spots, why can't you remove the papilloma yourself? Experts warn that self-medication can be dangerous. First, you don't know exactly what you're going to delete. Doctors have special medical equipment for diagnosis, which helps to determine what type of neoplasm has appeared on the skin. Before removing any papilloma, the doctor carefully examines it with a dermatoscope. This device allows you to examine the formation with a significant increase. This is necessary in order to understand whether it is really a papilloma that can be safely removed, or something more serious. Secondly, in attempts to get rid of the papilloma yourself, you can injure yourself, which will cause the growth of the neoplasm or its transformation into a more dangerous form, up to a tumor.
Is there a risk of forming a new papilloma in the same place, despite proper care?
Unfortunately yes. This is with the presence of the human papilloma virus in the body. If it is present, then there is a possibility of a new formation of papilloma, because, by burning out the papilloma, the doctor does not destroy the virus in general, but removes only one of its manifestations.
Is it possible to get pregnant with HPV? What to do if papillomas appeared during pregnancy?
Infection from mother to fetus during childbirth occurs in almost 98% of cases. The virus enters the mouth and eyes of a child who passes through the birth canal, which is literally covered with condylomas, so all women who plan to become pregnant should be tested in advance and, if necessary, treated for HPV and all types of STDs. Only after the end of the treatment can you plan conception.
If the disease was in a hidden form and first appeared during pregnancy, and this happens often (immunity weakens during pregnancy), you should urgently consult a doctor: treatment of papilloma during pregnancy is possible.
