How to distinguish papillomas from condylomas

The presence of such growths is associated with the presence of HPV in a person. They may not remind you of themselves for a long time.

Reasons for the appearance

The cause of warts is the papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growths on the skin appear if there are provoking factors:

• congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
• stressful situations;
• influenza;
• use of cytostatics;
• long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
• persistent urogenital infections;
• the presence of herpes virus in the body.

attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the formation of neoplasms.

Risk subgroups

Papilloma virus is observed in the blood of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, because HPV is in a latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.

In addition, those using drugs that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infection. Those who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.

Routes of infection

There are 3 types of HPV transmission:

1. Sexual. This is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus is also spread through kissing. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live in it for a long time.
2. Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital formations.
3. Homemade. It is extremely rarely spread by contact. It enters the body through microcracks in the skin. This happens when people share personal care items.

But by eliminating these methods of infection, it is possible to prevent the appearance of pathology.

Characteristics of papillomas

HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:

• located inside the body without forming neoplasms on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. It is possible to detect a pathogen without skin manifestations using PCR;
• are formed as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
• promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign to tumor neoplasms.

What do warts look like?

Condylomas are neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes that have an inflammatory nature. They have the following classification:

• wide with a broad base;
• pointed on a slender stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and in the armpits. Sometimes it is located in the corners of the mouth.

It is recommended to remove condylomas in the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions is it possible to eliminate the pathology, most likely once and for all. Conservative methods of treatment often do not give the expected results.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:

• formation of growths;
• Skin irritation;
• discomfort during intercourse;
• redness and itching.

attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate other pathologies. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Main differences

During a visual external examination, as well as when determining the type, many patients, without experience, confuse one type of wart with another. They are divided into two types:

• Papillomas - have a round or thread-like shape with a thin base.
• Condylomas are irregularly shaped growths. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.

Unlike papillomas, condylomas often form on the dermis near the genitals, on the labia and the foreskin of the penis. They appear darker in color and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic measures are known to identify the type of growths on the skin. They include:

• visual inspection;
• PCR, which allows determining the presence of HPV;
• genotyping. An analysis that identifies the type of virus;
• histological diagnosis. It allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the likelihood of malignancy.

Methods of treatment

In no case do not remove warts yourself. Before the procedure for excision of growths, doctors recommend taking the following measures:

• take antiviral drugs. This makes it possible to suppress the activity of HPV;
• improving the functioning of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.

The treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Remove hardware

Skin tumors can be eliminated in the following ways:

• Surgically. Until recently, this was the main way to remove tumors. After the bark falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This led specialists to look for other methods of cutting growths.
• chemically. Special drugs containing strong acids are used to burn warts.
• Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. The increased risk of relapse is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
• Radio waves. It's painless and quick.
• Using a laser. One of the newest means of removing skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.

Methods for removing warts directly depend on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Only on the basis of these indicators can the doctor prescribe a specific method of excision.

Possible complications

If there is no treatment of the pathology, then the probability of further infection increases, as a result of which growths can spread to other areas of the skin and significantly weaken the functioning of the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they provoke complications:

• formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
• papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
• bleedingUsually after apparatus removal of papillomas;
• infection. During neoplasm trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
• suppuration of neoplasms;
• ulcers Formed due to prolonged friction of clothes;
• precancerous condition;
• cancerous formations in the body;
• risk of developing skin cancer;
• asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often occur. There is a risk of suffocation.

important! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and engage in independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.