Papillomavirus infection is one of the most common viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Almost every person at least once in his life has encountered one or another of its manifestations. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known, each of which causes neoplasms of a certain type and location: papillomas on the body, mucous membranes, convex and flat warts on the hands and feet, genital warts and other formations. Papillomas can be single or multiple. Choosing an effective drug for papillomas is not an easy task, so it is better to entrust it to a dermatovenerologist.
Types of HPV drugs
The drugs used to treat HPV are divided into the following groups:
- Antiviruses.
- Immunostimulants.
- Agents for the destruction of neoplasms.
First you need to determine the nature of the neoplasm: sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a papilloma from a mole or condyloma. Then, using PCR analysis, determine the type of virus, since some of them contribute to the development of malignant neoplasms. Anti-papilloma drugs can be used in combination or separately.
Antiviruses
Medical treatment of skin neoplasms caused by HPV is rarely complete without drugs from this group. They have a detrimental effect on the virus, prevent its reproduction and have an immunomodulatory effect.
Particularly popular are pharmaceutical preparations, which are produced in several dosage forms: injections, tablets, suppositories, ointments and gels. Usually, for single lesions, topical application may be sufficient.
Antiviral ointments and gels are prescribed before and after the procedure of laser therapy, electrocoagulation and after it ensure high efficiency of treatment and prevention of relapses.
What are the indications for the appointment of systemic drugs against the virus:
- HPV infection with high and potentially high oncological risk, confirmed by PCR;
- multiple papillomas on the body (this indicates high HPV activity);
- primary and secondary immunodeficiency conditions (when the body cannot cope with the viral load on its own).
Antiviral drugs (injections and tablets) are contraindicated:
- during pregnancy;
- during breastfeeding;
- with individual intolerance.
Most medications are available with a prescription.
What antiviral drugs are considered the most effective and can get rid of papillomas?
Inosine tablets
The medicine is available in tablets. This is one of the most popular drugs for papilloma today. The active substance is inosine (a purine derivative). It has a complex effect:
- blocks the enzymes of the virus, causing its death;
- activates interferon production;
- activates lymphocytes;
- inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators.
2 tablets per day for 2 weeks are prescribed, if necessary, the course of treatment can be extended to a month. Can be used in children over 3 years old.
During the reception, nausea, headache, exacerbation of gout may occur.
Medicines based on meglumine acridone acetate
The drug is available in two forms: injection and tablets. The active ingredient is meglumine acridone acetate. The mechanism of action is induction of interferon.
Effects:
- anti-virus;
- immunomodulatory;
- anti-inflammatory.
Intramuscular injections of the drug are administered every other day, up to 10 injections per course.
Means based on a glycoside isolated from the stems of nightshade
Release form: solution for intravenous injections, ointment, gel spray inlay for the treatment of the oral cavity, gel spray intim for the treatment of genital papillomas. The active substance is a glycoside isolated from the stems of nightshade.
This is a modern means against the virus with a broad spectrum of action:
- anti-inflammatory,
- immunomodulatory,
- promotes tissue regeneration.
Intravenous injections are prescribed according to the scheme: the first 3 times in 2 days, the next 5 times in 3 days. Topical forms and injections are generally well tolerated. Ointment and gel are allowed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Immunostimulants
Multiple papillomas often indicate a malfunction in the body. Medicines from this group have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Before use, a consultation with an immunologist and an additional examination (immunogram) is necessary.
By themselves, immunostimulants cannot get rid of the external manifestations of the human papilloma virus. But with confirmed immune deficiency, they should be included in the HPV treatment complex. They are compatible with antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antifungal agents.
Immunostimulants are prohibited for use:
- during pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- individual intolerance.
They are sold in pharmacies by prescription. Which of the drugs in this group is most effective?
Compositions for the destruction of papilloma
Medicines from this group have a direct healing effect on the papilloma. They contain aggressive components that destroy epithelial cells. Which of them are the most popular among doctors and patients and can get rid of HPV-related skin neoplasms?
Freezing medicine
Papilloma is affected by a temperature of -57 ° C, which leads to disruption of blood supply and necrosis. The drug is sold in a pharmacy without a prescription.
The product should not be used on areas with delicate skin (face, axillary area, intimate areas) and mucous membranes.
The kit includes a bottle with a mixture of propane and dimethyl ether, a plastic holder and foam rubber applicators. Several formations can be processed in one session. The exposure time depends on the size of the papilloma, but should not exceed 40 seconds. The papilloma falls off after 10-14 days. From 1 to 4 procedures are required to remove the formation.
Drops based on methacrysol
Drops for external application with included applicator. This is a relatively new effective drug for papillomas. The main component is metacresol. It has a cauterizing effect, leads to the death of the virus and the destruction of the neoplasm.
The medicine is applied to the elements very carefully, pointwise. If a drop of the solution gets on healthy surrounding tissue, it should be immediately removed with a dry cotton swab. Small papillomas on the body are treated once, larger ones 3-4 times, with an interval of a few minutes, after the drying of the previous layer.
It is impossible to treat papillomas located in skin folds, interdigital spaces with the drug.
It is better to entrust the removal of neoplasms in the anogenital area to a medical specialist.
Preparation based on a mixture of acids
The form of release is a bottle with a solution, a plastic applicator for local application and a glass capillary for the treatment of large surfaces.
The medicine contains a mixture of acids: trichloroacetic, oxalic, nitric and lactic. Drops of the solution cause a chemical burn of the tissue, which leads to mummification of the papilloma.
The agent is carefully applied to the affected area until its color changes. After the effect of this drug on the papilloma, a crust forms on its surface, which disappears by itself after 10-12 days. If the effect is insufficient, the procedure must be repeated.
Treatment results
After the use of drugs, the DNA of the virus remains in the human body. The purpose of using drugs for papillomas is to get rid of external manifestations, strengthen immunity and achieve the transition of HPV infection into a latent form. With single formations on the body, only a local effect is possible. In other cases, its effectiveness is 25-50%.
What conditions are necessary to achieve the best result?
- full diagnostics;
- combined approach to treatment;
- choosing the optimal treatment regimen.
Therefore, the key to successful treatment of papillomavirus is timely medical help. There are many drugs for papilloma, and a specialist must determine which is best for each individual case.