People often develop unaesthetic growths on their bodies – papillomas or warts. The presence of such neoplasms on the skin is a signal that the human papillomavirus has entered the human body.
Infection with it occurs when the immune defense is reduced, after illness, or changes in the hormonal levels of the human body. People are susceptible to skin diseases caused by this virus, regardless of age, gender, social status, or lifestyle.
The growths may be located in places inaccessible to prying eyes and may not cause concern to their owners, so carriers of the virus do not make any attempts to get rid of the disease for a long time.
It should be remembered that for many reasons, neoplasms on the skin can turn from harmless to malignant and lead to cancer.
If skin growths appear, you should consult a doctor for advice. A visit to a specialist is especially necessary if the patient has:
- mass appearance of neoplasms;
- papillomas and warts are located on the mucous membranes, intimate area, armpits;
- neoplasms are susceptible to rubbing from contact with clothing or shoes;
- change in size and color of skin growths.
Effective measures for the treatment of papillomavirus
It should be remembered that it is impossible to completely rid a patient of the papilloma virus; therapy is aimed at suppressing its activity, reducing the manifestation of its presence in the carrier’s body.
To treat the disease, the doctor, based on the characteristics of the disease, can use several methods - the use of medications or surgical removal of tumors, traditional medicine recipes.
A good result in the treatment of skin tumors is achieved with the help of combined drug treatment, including:
- the use of external medications acting on tumor tissue;
- the use of antiviral drugs to suppress the activity of the virus;
- taking a complex of vitamins and drugs that increase the body’s immune defense.
When studying human papillomavirus, scientists found that the infection can “get used” to the medications used to treat or prevent it. This feature leads to the progression of the disease and the protracted nature of its course.
It is not recommended to self-medicate by purchasing medications at the pharmacy yourself. Depending on the age of the patient and the presence of diseases, contraindications for the use of a number of medications are identified. When prescribing therapy, the doctor analyzes the patient’s general health, the mechanism of drug interaction, and will minimize possible side effects from the drugs.
Use of external remedies for treatment
Pharmacies have a large selection of medications for removing papillomas and warts. They are used for external use. Medicines come in different forms - ointments, creams, solutions, gels, pencils.
All of these types of products have a common therapeutic effect - antiviral, bactericidal. When they are used, the body of the wart is cauterized, which results in further blocking of its development and the complete disappearance of neoplasms from the mucous membranes and skin.
Types of warts (papillomas)
There are periungual and subungual warts, most often they are classified as flat and juvenile. These warts occur near the nail bed; this is due to violations of the integrity of the skin as a result of visiting a nail salon. Most often they occur in girls or men who like to bite their nails, injure the skin and the virus enters the wound surfaces from the outside. These are unpleasant warts, especially subungual warts; the structure of the nail is disrupted.
Hanging warts are papillomas, they are always pedunculated and olive-shaped in different sizes, from 2 millimeters to several centimeters.
Papillomas increase in size regardless of type, type, subtype. They, like any part of our body, have blood circulation, nervous system, lymphatic drainage, etc.
Products based on salicylic acid
Inexpensive pharmacy products for warts are salicylic acid or ointment. The choice of these drugs for treatment is due to their sufficient effectiveness, reduced degree of pain during use, and the ability to purchase without a doctor’s prescription.
To completely get rid of growths, a fairly long period of regular use of the medicine externally is required.
To achieve a high-quality result of treatment with salicylic acid and obtain the desired effect, you must follow simple rules:
- carrying out treatment every day, for the patient’s convenience it is recommended to use it in the evening before bedtime;
- the area of skin where the papilloma is located needs to be softened - steamed in warm water;
- a drop of acid is applied pointwise, directly to the area with the growth, then a piece of cotton wool is applied to the treated area and sealed with a medical plaster, leaving the bandage on overnight;
- After sleep, the bandage is removed, the remaining salicylic acid is washed off with warm water.
Salicylic ointment is used for treatment in a similar way. Its effect on the skin is less aggressive due to emollient ingredients. Such properties allow the medicine to be used to treat a child.
Salicylic alcohol is obtained from a mixture of salicylic acid and ethyl alcohol. The effect of this drug is effective if you follow the scheme of its use - three times a day for a week, you should carefully lubricate the body of the papilloma.
For the convenience of using salicylic acid for treatment, a “Salipod” patch is produced, the effect of which is similar to the effect of an acid or ointment.
Classification of drugs
An effective remedy for papillomas, which can be bought at the pharmacy:
- This is a remedy for removing the growth itself (papilloma).
- A product that fights the virus and prevents new papillomas from appearing.
- A remedy that improves immunity.
List of products for external use
Drugs that freeze growths - Cryopreparations. Their action is based on freezing papilloma. They are most often produced in the form of aerosols. With the help of these means, the growth is frozen, the tissues die, and the wart disappears on its own. The composition of cryopreparations includes dimethyl ether alcohol and propane.
Directions for use: shake the bottle and spray the product onto the applicator (supplied with the medicine).
Apply the applicator to the papilloma and treat it well. A slight burning sensation and freezing will be felt. During freezing, necrosis of the wart tissue occurs. The procedure can be repeated no more than three times, but the manufacturer assures that the wart will disappear after the first (if the instructions are fully followed).
Ointments. Ointments work by cauterizing the papilloma. Such ointments are effective against all types of growths. Apply it morning and evening, precisely lubricating (cauterizing) the papilloma. The effect occurs within a week; for more old papillomas, the ointment will have to be used longer.
This is a remedy for papillomas, which is also comfortable for people who are afraid of pain and discomfort, since the ointment acts gently without causing discomfort.
Other means:
- Lapis pencil. This is a product that is sold in pharmacies and contains silver nitrate. Silver nitrate is a reliable remedy for papillomas that effectively copes with its task. The pencil should be rubbed into the tumor twice a day, morning and evening. The action occurs due to drying of the papilloma. Since the drug strongly stains the growth, it is not recommended for use on open areas of the body. And until the end of treatment you will have to walk with colored growths.
- Iodine. Iodine is an effective remedy for young papillomas. It is applied pointwise and very carefully. The action occurs due to burning out the growth. But you need to avoid applying iodine to healthy areas of the skin, as you can get burned. It is recommended to apply iodine twice a day, in the morning, after taking water treatments, and in the evening, before bed.
- Patch. They dry out the growth sufficiently in a short period of wearing, and it disappears. It is recommended to change the patch once a day. This product is suitable for those who do not like to devote a lot of time to such procedures. The patch contains a medicinal substance that dries the wart. The effect begins within a week.
Means to reduce the intensity of appearance
An effective remedy for papillomas is tablets containing interferon. The action of drugs is based on an increase in interferons in the blood, substances that fight viruses. Thus, interferons will suppress the human papillomavirus and prevent the appearance of tumors. These medications are taken in courses at equal intervals.
Immunomodulators
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- An effective remedy for papillomas is a drug that contains echinacea juice. This plant stimulates the production of immunity at the cellular level. A strong immune system can effectively fight the human papillomavirus and prevent the appearance of growths.
- Preparations containing extracts of Eleutherococcus, ginseng and Schisandra chinensis - restoring vigor and peace, also improve immunity well. The effect becomes noticeable within a month.
- Preparations containing bacteria in microdoses. Due to the entry of bacteria into the body, the immune system begins to actively work and strengthen. Destroying bacteria and viruses.
- Preparations containing the substance of the thymus gland of cattle. They stimulate individual chains of immunity. Due to such stimulation, it becomes easier for the body to suppress the human papillomavirus
Oxolinic ointment
A gentle method of getting rid of papillomas is the use of oxolinic ointment. It has an antiviral effect - the substance oxolin kills parts of the virus and prevents their spread throughout the patient’s body.
When using this product, new papillomas do not form, a large number of skin formations disappear.
Using oxolinic ointment requires considerable time - the therapeutic effect is achieved individually, usually requiring from two to eight weeks of treatment. The ointment is applied directly to the tumor site at least twice a day. When using it, the patient may experience a burning sensation in the problem area, which is not a reason to refuse to use the ointment. Purchasing oxolinic ointment at a pharmacy does not require confirmation from a doctor.
Price
Prices for medications for the treatment of warts have a wide range, which allows each patient to choose an effective remedy for warts that suits their budget. Preparations based on herbal components are cheaper, and potent medications are more expensive. You should find out about the price of the medicine you are interested in at the pharmacy.
Such effective drugs for warts as “Oxolinic ointment”, “Salipod” patch, “Verrukatsid” solution, “Viferon” cream are not very expensive. Their price does not exceed 200 rubles. Products such as Panavir gel, Cryopharma cryopreparation, Isoprinosine tablets cost around 650-1500 rubles.
Using a lapis pencil
Lapis pencil is often used to get rid of warts or papillomas. It contains silver nitrate, a substance with a pronounced antiseptic effect. The effect of using this product is enhanced by the following components: celandine extract, chamomile extract, and calendula.
The active substances of the pencil have a depressing effect on the human papillomavirus, papilloma cells are destroyed due to the bactericidal and cauterizing properties of the product, silver nitrate suppresses the development of the virus, stops the growth, the spread of papillomas and warts. Before using the pencil, you should seek a doctor's recommendation.
The method of using this product is simple - the tip of the pencil is moistened with cold water, then it is applied exactly to the problem area of the skin. You should use the pencil carefully - sensitive areas of the skin can be damaged by it, and burns may occur after use.
The duration of treatment using a pencil depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. It takes up to two weeks to use this product. Treatment is stopped if the papilloma has shrunk and fallen off the skin.
What is the difference between a papilloma and a wart?
Warts and papillomas are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus. It is transmitted through the carrier of the infection or objects that he used. Frequent changes of sexual partners, abuse of bad habits, prolonged use of medications - these reasons can worsen the immune system, and therefore the risk of disease increases.
What is the difference between a papilloma and a wart? There are several signs by which it can be recognized:
- It comes in leaf-shaped and lobed form, and has an external resemblance to cauliflower. The wart is usually round in shape, with clear boundaries.
- The size of the formation is usually from 1 to 2 cm. Unlike papilloma, the size of the wart varies from 2 to 10 mm, but may be slightly larger.
- The shade varies from white to dark brown. This can also be observed in warts, but most often they are flesh-colored.
- The structure is soft to the touch, the formation is located on a thin stalk, and may have a wide base. How to distinguish a wart from a papilloma? They are harder, rougher - they are often confused with calluses.
- The growths are located on the genitals and mucous membranes - places that are not always accessible to the eyes. Unlike papilloma, warts mainly affect the lower and upper extremities; a warty hand is far from a rare occurrence.
Since papillomas and warts are very similar, determining the type of growth is not always easy. For a more accurate diagnosis, the patient must undergo PCR and DNA tests for HPV diagnosis. If the growth is located in the woman's genital area, the doctor may order a biopsy and colposcopy to remove any suspicion that the growth is malignant.
Application of Verrucacid solution
You can purchase Verrucacid solution. The substances it contains - methacrysol and phenol - have properties that promote drying of growths with their subsequent complete death.
The medicinal solution is applied directly to the body of the wart; it is forbidden to apply it to healthy skin or expose moles or wounds to it. To get rid of small tumors, the solution is applied once in one application; for medium or large ones, the procedure for applying Verrucacid should be repeated several times with an interval of three minutes.
The full course of use of the drug lasts no more than a week. If necessary, treatment with Verrucacid is repeated.
There are restrictions on the use of the solution - it cannot remove warts from a preschool child or from people with dermatological problems. The drug is not used to remove growths from mucous membranes; it cannot be used to treat large areas of the affected body.
The best drugs
At the moment, no medicine has been invented that would permanently destroy HPV (human papillomavirus).
Cryopharma
The composition of the drug includes dimethyl ether, propane. Description: medicine for freezing papillomas. At the outlet, dimethyl ether and propane form a temperature of 57 degrees below zero, freezing skin tumors.
Cryopharma is an effective remedy for papillomas that freezes them.
The drug is intended to remove any types of papillomas. It acts by freezing tumors. Blood circulation in the papilloma tissues stops and then the skin that was frozen comes off. The effect after freezing occurs within 10-14 days.
Release form and dosage: available in the form of aerosol cans with a volume of 35 ml. Along with the aerosol, the kit also includes a holder and applicators.
Instructions: shake the container with the substance well. Attach the applicator to the holder. Apply the drug to the applicator. Apply the applicator to the papilloma, freezing begins to take effect. You may feel a slight tingling and tingling sensation on the skin. Hold the applicator for 10-40 seconds. As soon as the skin turns white, the applicator should be removed. After 10-14 days, the treated skin will peel off.
Contraindications:
- Do not apply to irritated, inflamed skin.
- Children up to 4 years old.
- Moles cannot be removed.
- The price of the drug Cryopharm ranges from 600 rubles. up to 800 rub.
Feresol
The composition of the drug includes: phenol, tricresol. Description: the drug has cauterizing properties. Release form and dosage: available in 100 ml dark glass bottles. Usage: the drug is applied pointwise to papillomas using an applicator. The drug is applied to one papilloma 7-10 times with an interval of 1-3 minutes. If necessary, the procedure is repeated after 7 days.
Contraindications:
- Moles.
- Children's age up to 7 years.
- Possible allergy to components.
The price of the drug varies from 45 to 50 rubles.
WartnerCryo
Composition: propane, dimethyl ether. Description: the drug has a freezing effect, due to which tissue necrosis occurs. Papillomas disappear. Release form and dosage: WartnerCryo is available in aerosol form with a volume of 50 ml. Usage: Shake the aerosol can well and apply the product to the applicator.
Apply the applicator to the papilloma for 2-3 minutes. If necessary, repeat the action again. After freezing, the neoplasm tissues die and after a while the papilloma disappears. The effect after freezing occurs after 10-14 days.
Contraindications:
- Children's age up to 4 years.
- Cannot be used by pregnant women.
- Chronic diseases: diabetes.
- Circulatory disorders.
The price of the drug varies from 750 rubles. up to 900 rub.
Sunny Skin
An effective remedy for papillomas, Sani Skin contains salicylic acid, castor oil and tea tree essential oil. Description: drying agent for removing papillomas. It acts gently and painlessly dries out the tumor, destroying it from the inside.
Release form and dosage: slightly yellowish liquid, packaged in small bottles with a capacity of 15 ml. Apply Sani Skin using a brush-applicator to the papilloma. Treatment continues for 2 weeks.
Contraindications:
- Children's age up to 7 years.
- Possible allergy to the drug.
The price of the drug Sani Skin varies from 2400 rubles. up to 2500 rub.
Kondilin
Composition: 5 mg.
Podophyllotoxin is the main substance, and the excipients are:
- ethanol;
- sodium lactate;
- lactic acid;
- purified water.
Has a cauterizing agent. Promotes complete tissue necrosis in papilloma. Helps quickly get rid of tumors. Does not irritate the skin around the papilloma.
Available in 3.5 ml bottles.
Using the applicator, apply the product to papillomas. Applications should be made 2 times a day for three days. After 10 days, the papillomas will dry out and begin to peel off. Complete removal should occur two weeks after the start of treatment.
Contraindications:
- Children's age up to 12 years
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding period
The price of Condilin in pharmacies is 4,000 rubles.
Lapis pencil
Ingredients: Contains silver nitrate. Available in dry pencil form. The rod containing the substance is inserted into a holder with a cap. It has antiseptic properties, burns papillomas and helps remove them. The pencil is applied pointwise, lubricating the papilloma. It is necessary to treat the neoplasm twice a day until the papilloma begins to dry out.
Contraindications:
- Children's age up to 4 years.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
The price of a lapis pencil in pharmacies is 120 - 150 rubles.
Dermavit
The composition of the Dermavit gel includes: sodium hydroxide, urea, glycerin and auxiliary components. The drug is produced in the form of a gel in tubes of 3 ml and 5 ml. The gel is rubbed into the papillomas. It acts gently, without causing discomfort to the patient, and does not cause a burning sensation.
Drug Dermavit
Pharmacists advise purchasing a remedy for warts - Dermavit gel. Many people who are faced with the need to remove papillomas have coped with the disease thanks to the use of this medicine. The main properties of the medicinal gel are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic.
Dermavit is easy to use. The area around the wart is sealed with a plaster; it is permissible to lubricate it with cream or Vaseline - such manipulations protect healthy skin from damage. Then the drug is applied using a dispenser located on the bottle, exactly to the problem area. After the growth has blackened, the remaining gel is washed off with water.
Daily use of Dermavit for a week leads to complete removal of the tumor.
It should be remembered that it is prohibited to remove tumors using Dermavit gel from the mammary glands, axillary and groin areas.
Contraindications
Any remedy for warts and papillomas has its contraindications and side effects. The least negative manifestations are observed when using local preparations: creams, ointments, gels: they can only cause an allergic reaction, manifested as irritation on the skin.
Medicines for warts in the form of tablets and solutions have many limitations. Most often they are pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, many medications are contraindicated in pediatric patients. Some potent drugs should not be taken if you have diabetes, heart problems, kidney or liver failure.
Traditional medicine recipes have the fewest restrictions and adverse reactions, but certain plants or products can lead to the development of allergies.
Cosmetic preparation Superchistotel
The drug Superchistotel is available for sale. This product is considered cosmetic; it is used to completely rid skin areas of infection with warts; a positive therapeutic result is observed in the majority of people who use it.
The use of Supercleaner is similar to the use of other medications - a small amount of liquid is applied to the wart. After three days of treatment, the affected skin begins to dry out and peel off; after five days of using the medicine, the neoplasm disappears, the trace of it on the skin is invisible.
Symptoms of warts (papillomas)
At first, a small tubercle appears a few millimeters in diameter, then it increases in size, a free hanging edge appears and the whole thing transforms into a stalk connected to the patient’s skin. An olive-like formation appears on a freely hanging leg. They are generally skin-colored and may be slightly darker or lighter.
Changes in color are rare; if they are brown, then perhaps the vessels have become sclerotic and small blood clots have appeared, which have changed the color of the papilloma. If they are pink or bright red, there may be problems with the papilloma’s own vessels and this color appears due to vascular tumors. White, skin color is the normal shade of papilloma.
Application of topical aerosols
Aerosols that “freeze” tumors are popular in the fight against warts and papillomas. Pharmacists often offer an effective remedy - Cryopharma. The effect of this drug is unique; the refrigerant contained in the aerosol allows you to carry out the cryotherapy process at home.
The aerosol is applied using a special applicator to the problem area, which first turns white, some time after exposure, the papilloma begins to die, then it falls off and healthy skin forms in its place.
One treatment session with Cryopharm can remove a small growth; larger warts can be removed after several times of using the product.
The use of the drug is agreed with the attending physician. Cryopharm should not be used by children under four years of age; it is prohibited to use the aerosol on sensitive areas of the skin or on the scalp; it cannot be used to treat moles or pigmentation.
When to see a doctor
It happens when the growth does not cause much trouble: it does not hurt, is not injured, and is not an aesthetic problem, for example, due to its location in a place that is difficult for prying eyes to see, and the person decides not to seek help from a doctor. However, it is still worth treating papillomas - if the virus wanders around the body, it is quite possible for formations to appear in other places. The patient can also infect close people with whom he lives.
Reasons why it is recommended to remove warts and papillomas:
- The formation is subject to constant friction with clothing, for example, a collar or sleeve.
- Papilloma causes pain.
- The growth has changed in color, size or shape.
- There is a risk that a benign formation will transform into a malignant tumor.
- Inflammation, malignancy.
Read also:
Types of hanging warts, methods of treatment and removal
If the above reasons are absent, treatment can be postponed for a while, since the formation is not dangerous.
Antiviral drugs as a means to remove papillomas and warts
Antiviral drugs purchased at the pharmacy will act actively, treatment with them will lead to effective results if combined with the above-mentioned drugs prescribed by the doctor. Medicines to combat papillomavirus are available in several types - in the form of tablets or ointments.
Often, specialists from medical institutions prescribe an antiviral drug to patients - Viferon.
It is commercially available in different forms - gel, ointment, suppositories. In addition to its action against viruses, this drug has immunomodulatory properties that can enhance the patient’s body’s defense mechanisms. Viferon is not absorbed into the blood, it has a local effect that disrupts the spread of papillomavirus and blocks it.
To treat warts, Acyclovir tablets or ointment are prescribed. The antiviral properties of this medicine help not only in treating the disease, but also in preventing the virus that causes the disease.
For intravenous injections, Panavir solution is used. It promotes effective fight against virus and bacterial infections. Due to side effects, it is not recommended for use by children and adolescents under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women; there are restrictions on taking the medicine in the presence of certain diseases. To treat warts, gel and suppositories with the same name are used.
Types of warts (papillomas)
There are many types of warts (papillomas), but the main ones are simple, genital, senile, filiform, plantar and flat.
Wart vulgaris
Let's start with simple papillomas, which are often called “vulgar warts” or “common warts.” More often they occur in older people, after 35 years. Mostly, vulgar warts appear on the back of the hands, groin areas, and face. A slight elevation appears above the skin level, approximately 1-3 mm. in diameter, fairly regularly rounded in shape, flat shiny surface, skin-colored or dirty gray in color. After some time, the wart increases in size and slight peeling appears.
Plantar wart
A plantar wart has deeper skin lesions. A massive or rather hard, keratinized rim appears; if you peel off the top layer, you can see papillary growths of a bright red or brownish-red hue. A plantar wart causes pain and is quite sensitive, especially when walking.
Flat wart
Flat warts most often occur on the hands and face. They are flattened, small in size, up to a maximum of 5 mm. Flat warts have a smooth surface and can resolve on their own. These warts are typical for young people, up to 35 years of age.
Condylomas acuminata
Genital warts, as a rule, accompany sexually transmitted diseases, Trichomonas chlamydia, uromycoplasma, and candidiasis. A small villous formation of several millimeters appears on the stem. After some time, the number of villi increases, and it takes on the appearance of either a scallop or cauliflower.
Genital warts quickly increase in size, new rashes appear, and a characteristic violation of the integrity of the integument of the villi itself is characteristic. If hygiene is not maintained correctly, a plaque with an unpleasant odor appears between the villi, which over time can also acquire a coccal infection, and ulcerations may appear.
Filiform wart
Filiform warts on thin stalks, this is a formation of absolute skin color, in the form of a small olive. At the free end, after some time, peeling may appear.
Senile keratomas
One type of wart is called senile keratoma. It has not been proven that these warts are the result of the introduction of papillomaviruses into the human body, although such a point of view exists. Even if they are completely removed, they will appear again.