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 faced one or another of its manifestations. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known, each of which causes neoplasms of a specific type and location: papillomas on the body, mucous membranes, curved and flat warts on the hands and feet, genital warts and other growths. Papillomas can be single or multiple. Choosing an effective treatment for papillomas is not an easy task, so it is better to entrust it to a dermatologist.
Types of HPV drugs
The drugs used in the treatment of HPV are divided into the following groups:
- Antiviral.
- Immunostimulants.
- Means 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 condyle. Then, using PCR analysis, determine the type of virus, as some of them contribute to the development of malignant neoplasms. Anti-papilloma medications can be used in combination or separately.
Antiviral
Medical treatment of skin neoplasms caused by HPV is rarely complete without drugs of this group. They have a detrimental effect on the virus, prevent its reproduction and have an immunomodulatory effect.
Pharmaceutical preparations are especially popular, which are produced in various dosage forms: injections, tablets, suppositories, ointments and gels. Usually, with individual formulations, topical application may be sufficient.
Antiviral ointments and gels are prescribed before and after the procedure of laser treatment, electrocoagulation and after it, they provide high effectiveness of treatment and prevention of relapses.
What are the indications for the appointment of systemic antiviral drugs:
- HPV infection of high and potentially high oncological risk, confirmed by PCR.
- multiple papillomas on the body (this indicates high HPV activity);
- primary and secondary immunodeficiency states (when the body cannot cope with the viral load on its own);
Antiviral drugs (injections and tablets) are contraindicated:
- during pregnancy?
- during lactation;
- with individual intolerance.
Most medicines are available with a prescription.
Which antiviral drugs are considered the most effective and are able to get rid of papillomas?
Inosine tablets
The medicine is available in tablets. This is one of the most popular papilloma treatments today. The active substance is inosine (purine derivative). It has a complex effect:
- it blocks the virus's enzymes, causing its death.
- activates the production of interferon.
- activates lymphocytes.
- inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators.
2 tablets per day are prescribed for 2 weeks, if necessary, it is possible to extend the course of treatment up to a month. Can be used in children over 3 years old.
During reception, nausea, headaches, worsening of gout may occur.
Medicines based on acridone meglumine acetate
The drug is available in two forms: injection and tablets. The active ingredient is acridone meglumine acetate. The mechanism of action is interferon induction.
Belongings:
- antiviral;
- immunomodulatory;
- anti-inflammatory.
Intramuscular injections of the drug are given every other day, up to 10 injections per course.
Means based on a glycoside isolated from evening primrose stems
Release form: solution for intravenous injections, ointment, gel spray insert for the treatment of the oral cavity, gel spray intim for the treatment of papillomas on the genitals. The active substance is a glycoside isolated from evening primrose stems.
This is a modern antiviral drug 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 preparations and injections are generally well tolerated. The use of ointment and gel is allowed during pregnancy and lactation.
Immunostimulants
Multiple papillomas often indicate a malfunction in the body. Drugs of this group have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Before use, consultation with an immunologist and an additional examination (immunogram) is necessary.
By themselves, immunostimulants cannot get rid of the external manifestations of the human papillomavirus. But with confirmed immunodeficiency, they must be included in the HPV treatment complex. They are compatible with antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antifungal agents.
The use of immunostimulants is prohibited:
- during pregnancy?
- lactation;
- individual intolerance.
They are sold in pharmacies with a prescription. Which of the drugs in this group is the most effective?
Compositions for the destruction of papillomas
Drugs of this group have a direct medicinal effect on papillomas. They contain aggressive components that destroy epithelial cells. Which of them are the most popular among doctors and patients and are they able to get rid of HPV-related skin neoplasms?
Antifreeze
The papilloma is affected by a temperature of -57 ° C, which leads to a violation of the blood supply and necrosis. The drug is sold in a pharmacy without a prescription.
The product should not be used on areas with sensitive skin (face, armpits, sensitive areas) and mucous membranes.
The kit includes a bottle of propane and dimethyl ether mixture, a plastic base and a foam rubber applicator. In one session, several formations can be processed. The exposure time depends on the size of the papilloma, but should not exceed 40 seconds. The papilloma falls off in 10-14 days. To remove the formation, 1 to 4 procedures are required.
Methacrisol-based drops
Drops for external use with included applicator. This is a relatively new effective drug for papillomas. The main ingredient is metacresol. It has a caustic effect, leads to the death of the virus and the destruction of the neoplasm.
The drug is applied to the elements very carefully, point by point. If a drop of the solution falls on healthy surrounding tissue, it must be removed immediately with a dry cotton. Small papillomas on the body are treated once, larger ones 3-4 times, with an interval of several minutes, after the previous layer has dried.
It is impossible to treat papillomas located in the folds of the skin, in the interdigital spaces with the drug.
It is better to entrust the removal of neoplasms in the anogenital zone to a doctor.
Preparation based on a mixture of acids
The release form is a bottle with a solution, a plastic applicator for local application and a glass capillary for the treatment of large surfaces.
The drug contains a mixture of acids: trichloroacetic, oxalic, nitric and lactic. The drops of the solution cause a chemical burn of the tissue, which leads to mummification of the papilloma.
The agent is gently applied to the affected area until it changes color. 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 result 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 to a latent form. Only local effect is possible with individual formations on the body. In other cases, its effectiveness is 25-50%.
What conditions are required to achieve the best result?
- complete diagnosis;
- combined approach to treatment;
- selection of the optimal treatment regimen.
Therefore, the key to successfully treating papillomavirus is to seek medical help early. There are many medications for papillomas, and a specialist should determine which is best for an individual in each case.