How to tell the difference between papillomas and warts

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.

papillomas on human skin

Reasons for 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;
  • flu;
  • use of cytostatics;
  • prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
  • persistent infections of the genitourinary system.
  • the presence of a herpes virus inside the body.
anti papilloma drugs

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

Risk subgroups

The papillomavirus is seen in the bloodstream in about 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, since HPV is in a latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to previous illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.

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

Routes of infection

There are 3 types of HPV transmission:

  1. Sexual. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual contact. The virus is also transmitted through a kiss. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genitals, 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 warts in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
  3. Household. It is extremely rarely spread through contact. It enters the body through microcracks in the skin. This is what happens when people share toiletries.

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

Characteristics of papillomas

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

  • located inside the body without the formation of new growths 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.
  • they form 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?

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

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

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

Symptoms and signs

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

  • formation of growths;
  • skin irritation?
  • discomfort during sexual intercourse.
  • redness and itching.

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

Key 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:

  • Papillae – are round or thread-like in shape with a thin base.
  • Warts are irregularly shaped growths. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.

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

Diagnostics

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

  • visual inspection?
  • PCR, which makes it possible to determine the presence of HPV.
  • genotype. 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.

Treatment methods

Under no circumstances should you remove warts yourself. Before the procedure of excision of the growths, doctors recommend taking the following measures:

  • take antiviral drugs. This makes it possible to suppress HPV activity.
  • improve the function 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:

  • Surgical. Until recently, it was the main way to eliminate tumors. After the scab falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompted experts to look for other methods of excision of the growths.
  • Chemical substance. To burn warts, special drugs containing strong acids are used.
  • Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. The increased risk of recurrence is a major disadvantage of using this method.
  • Radio waves. It's painless and quick.
  • Use of lasers. One of the newest means to eliminate skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.

Wart removal methods directly depend on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Only on the basis of these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a specific method of resection.

Possible complications

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

  • formation of papillomas, warts and warts.
  • papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms.
  • Bleeding. Usually after removal of papillomas by means of material.
  • contamination. During the trauma of the neoplasm, the possibility of infection increases.
  • swelling of neoplasms.
  • ulcers Formed due to prolonged friction on clothes.
  • precancerous condition;
  • cancerous growths inside the body.
  • risk of developing skin cancer;
  • suffocation in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often occur. There is a risk of suffocation.

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