The Human Papillomavirus or more commonly known as HPV is the term used for a group of more than 150 viruses. Although most of these viral infections do not manifest in humans, there are around 30 to 40 types of the virus that do which may cause the appearance of cutaneous formations like condylomas and papillomas. The name Papillomavirus derives from papillomas which in simple terms means warts. Warts may be flat, in the form of small bumps or they may also be cauliflower shaped.
HPV infections are transferred primarily through sexual contact making the Human Papilloma Virus the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) worldwide. In a few instances, some types of HPV infections may cause cancer. In women, it is the cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. In men, the areas most affected are the penis, the tongue, tonsils and throat. The most common HPV strains that cause infections in the anogenital tract of humans are HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Other HPV types like HPV-5 may still cause warts but those are likely to appear on other sensitive parts of the body rather than in the anogenital area.
What are the symptoms of HPV
Most HPV is found to affect younger women where the effects are temporary. 90% of cases can be cured within 2 years while 70% are cured in 1 year. The people of the U.S.A nowadays show interest in knowing about the symptoms of HPV infection. The symptoms may be classified under the following subheadings.
Formation of genital warts
The appearance of genital warts on the external genital walls of both males and females is the common symptom of STD HPV infection. In this stage, the chances of triggering cervical cancer in women are the least.
Abnormalities detected in the cervical regions of women.
In women, doctors find certain unusual changes in the cervical region and recommend medication accordingly. A Pap test can be conducted to detect and confirm HPV infection which in its extreme form can cause cervical cancer in women.
Pain in the pelvic region
Many women complain of experiencing pain in the pelvic region and this is mainly due to the reproductive organs being infected by the virus.
Pink and flesh coloured rashes.
Appearances of flesh and pink coloured rashes or lesions on the exposed genital skin are common.
Presence of moisture on the infected areas
The affected area always tends to remain damp and moist.
Burning and itching sensation
During urination, the victim of human papillomavirus infection can feel a burning and itching sensation gripping them.
Other kinds of warts
Besides genital warts, plantar, flat and common warts are also found over the affected areas. Their size can vary. From small to the size of a cauliflower these warts may exist. Initially, the victim experiences no pain with the surfacing of these warts, but later it can turn out quite painful.
In most women, human papillomavirus hardly generates any symptoms. So it is advisable to get a Pap test done every year as long as one remains sexually active. Only 1 out of every thousand cases in the U.S.A is unfortunate to develop cervical cancer from the persistent infection of the human papillomavirus.
The presence of multiple warts may look quite dangerous. However, if medication is followed properly, one can get rid of these symptoms. This should not be forgotten that if one takes the risk of stopping these medications after a little improvement in the condition, the resurfacing of these symptoms in her would be obvious. This time it may appear with a stronger impact and greater intensity.
Treatment
At present, there is no cure for human papillomavirus. Once contracted, the virus will stay in the infected person's body. However, there are effective treatments for warts, and getting them treated may keep the disease from spreading.
A few treatment options exist for those with genital warts. If you have genital warts, talk to your doctor and find out which is the best treatment for your particular case.
Treatment options include:
- Cryotherapy: The doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze warts off.
- Podophyllin: This is a chemical that the doctor can use to kill warts.
- Trichloroacetic Acid, or TCA: Another compound used by the doctor to kill warts.
- Electrocautery: The doctor uses an electrical current to burn warts.
- Laser therapy: Using laser technology, the doctor can focus a laser on warts and effectively kill them. This is used in particularly severe cases when other treatments have failed. Your doctor may not be able to do this; it is only available at certain facilities.
For less severe cases, your doctor can prescribe topical creams such as imiquimod or podofilox that you can use at home or black seed oil capsules. These creams will get rid of genital warts by destroying the tissue around them. There are over the counter remedies available, but doctors strongly recommend against using them. Many contain chemicals that can be harmful, and if they are not used properly, they can irritate your skin. To negate the effects of these chemicals, you could alternatively make use of black seed oil for skin rashes to protect your skin.
If you have an outbreak of genital warts, talk to your doctor immediately. The faster you see your doctor, the quicker you can get it taken care of. Just like any other health problem, dealing with it quickly is the most effective treatment. The doctor can help in prescribing the correct black seed oil dosage for HPV.