Human Papilloma Virus, sometimes written as human papillomavirus or HPV, is a member of the papillomavirus family that is capable of attacking and infecting humans. While there are many other types of papillomavirus which have no affect on human beings, there are nearly 200 strains of HPV that potentially do. The good news about this virus, if there is any, is that infections are confined to the mucous membranes or upper layers of the skin.
Some strains of HPV are a bit more serious in that they can lead to cervical cancer in women. Less common, but also possible, are cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, and penis. It is important to note that the vast majority of people who are exposed to HPV are able to naturally fight off infection through their own immune systems. where infections do result, they are easily treatable.
In a nutshell, the most common symptom of HPV infection is the development of warts. Warts can occur on the hands, fingers, face, neck, legs, feet, and genital and anal areas. there are several different types of warts, each exhibiting their own characteristics, but all caused by one of the strains of HPV. some types of warts exhibit symptoms such as itching, before the actual warts tissue protrudes from the skin. some warts remain small enough that they cannot be seen by the human eye.
Most commonly however, warts will appear as raised areas of the skin, either as rounded bumps, bumps with flat heads, or protruding branch-like growths. many times the rounded or flat warts can grow large enough to resemble small pieces of cauliflower. Patients will see rough and undefined edges as well as cracks in the surface of the skin. as for color, some of the warts are light or flesh-colored, some can be grey or brown, and some may even develop black heads.
HPV infection rarely leads to bleeding or other types of infections. However, these symptoms can occur if warts are inadvertently broken open or cut during normal activities. in such cases it is possible to develop a further bacterial or fungal infection, especially in the case of periungual warts that grow underneath the fingernails or toenails. in some cases, the warts also may cause the feeling of pressure around the site of infection, and even pain if the warts are left untreated.
Since HPV infections usually manifest themselves as warts, treatment for the infection is based on treating the warts. Unfortunately, science has not yet developed any substance that can successfully kill a virus. Therefore, most types of warts are initially dealt with in their early stages by allowing the body’s immune system time to identify and attack the infection. in fact, many cases of common warts will clear up this way over a period of time.
There are over-the-counter medications patients can use on some kinds of warts. One of the most common is salicylic acid, a topical compound which destroys a wart gradually until it is completely gone. While these over-the-counter remedies work for some warts, there are others that using such treatments could be dangerous. One example would be genital warts, due to the fact that the skin tissue in these areas is highly sensitive and could be severely damaged by such medications.
If the patient’s immune system and over-the-counter medications don’t help, a doctor may choose another form of treatment including:
- surgical excision (cutting it out)
- cryotherapy (freezing of the wart)
- chemical therapy (similar to chemotherapy but in much smaller doses)
- laser surgery
- immunotherapy (using injections or topical ointments to boost the immune system)
Currently there are two approved vaccines on the market which help prevent HPV infections in many people. Gardasil, from Merck, protects against HPV 16 and 18 – the two strains that lead to most types of HPV related cancers. It also protects against 6 and 11, which are responsible for 90% of all genital warts. GlaxoSmithKline’s Cervarix also protects against HPV 16 and 18.
It’s important to note that these vaccines will not cure and already existing infection. rather, they assist the immune system in fighting off infection should the patient experience future exposure to the HPV strains in question. For this reason, the vaccines are generally only given to patients as a preventative measure.
HPV vaccines are also rarely given to men. they are generally intended for women to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Furthermore, the drugs are never given to children as no tests have been performed to determine the efficacy or safety for that age group.
According to statistics, the largest single cause of the spread of HPV is a sexual contact. Therefore, the greatest way to combat the spread of the virus in the sexual realm is to practice abstinence until marriage, at which time both you and your partner should be screened for HPV infections. After the marriage partners should remain faithful to one another and avoid other sexual partners at all costs.
Some in the medical community recommend the use of condoms as a preventative measure against HPV infection. While this strategy does help reduce the risk, it’s a method that is by no means foolproof. The condom only covers one small area of the male anatomy while leaving the rest of his skin, and that of his partner, fully exposed. even in the case of genital warts, which the condom is supposed to protect against, skin in the pelvic region is still exposed.
Because HPV is highly contagious, other preventative measures include avoiding skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has warts; avoiding the sharing of bath towels, clothing, or any other objects with a person who has warts; practicing good hygiene which includes washing hands frequently.
Finally, doctors recommend that those experiencing HPV infection avoid sunbathing as this practice seems to encourage the growth of warts and increase the possibility of passing the virus on.
Human Papilloma Virus is a very real threat all over the world. Fortunately, in more than 90% of all cases it is nothing more than a nuisance. Note the signs and symptoms of HPV infection, and if you believe you might be infected, contact your physician and deal with it as soon as possible.Random Posts: