How is the human papillomavirus transmitted: what is the danger?

Why do papillomas occur in children?

Once inside the body, the virus peacefully coexists with other microorganisms and does not manifest itself in any way until a certain point - when the child’s immunity weakens, benign growths may appear. The reasons for the appearance of papillomas in children are due to a decrease in natural protection in the case of:

• previous bacterial, viral and fungal infections;
• frequent colds;
• allergies;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• immunodeficiency;
• long-term drug therapy;
• injuries, surgeries and burns;
• vitamin deficiency

Any attack on children's immunity can provoke virus activity. Sometimes the starting point is mental and physical overexertion, stress, and nervous shock.

HPV is highly contagious and can be transmitted even through short-term contact with a carrier. In children, 3 routes of infection with the human papillomavirus are most relevant.

• Perinatal. Passing through the vaginal canal during childbirth, the baby comes into contact with the physiological secretions of the mother, receiving a viral load. Another option for this method of infection is the transmission of HPV from the expectant mother to the fetus through the placental bloodstream during pregnancy.
• Domestic. This method is the most common reason for the appearance of papillomas on a child’s body. The virus is transmitted through surfaces and objects touched by an infected person. Common sources are towels, combs, general hygiene products, and clothing, from which HPV enters the child’s body through abrasions and small wounds.
• Contact. Transmission of the virus occurs when a healthy person comes into contact with the skin, hair or other parts of the carrier’s body. The simplest example of such an infection is playing and interacting with children who have rashes.

The incubation period lasts from 2–4 weeks to 3–6 months, less often up to 2–4 years. The optimal conditions for the development of HPV are a humid and warm environment. In the fresh air without contact with human skin, the virus quickly dies.

Possible methods of infection with HPV

The virus remains viable in the environment. Transmission of infection occurs from a carrier to a healthy person in the following ways:

• during sexual intercourse;
• through household means (through personal hygiene items);
• in bathhouses, saunas, gyms when common items are infected;
• from mother to child during childbirth;
• self-infection - during hygiene procedures or in places of friction.

The risk of infection and degeneration of papillomas into malignant formations increases with decreased immunity. Factors that increase the risk of infection are:

• early onset of sexual activity, different partners;
• the presence of urogenital infections (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, HIV, etc.);
• local irritating mucous discharge in the genital area;
• dysbiotic conditions;
• bad habits.

Depending on the type of virus and the state of immunity, the rate of spread of infection varies. Some types of papillomas may not manifest themselves for years. It is better to remove condylomas immediately - they almost always degenerate into malignant formations.

HPV symptoms

The papilloma virus infects the skin and mucous membranes, causing the proliferation of the epidermis and the appearance of pathological neoplasms:

• papillomas;
• warts;
• condylomas.

They look like small skin growths ranging in size from 1 to 5–8 mm, sometimes there are growths reaching 1–2 cm. Basically, such formations imitate healthy skin in color, but there are elements of dark brown and white shades.

The main places of distribution of papillomas:

• face and neck;
• external genitalia and groin area;
• the inner surface of the elbow and knee bends;
• soles of feet;
• fingers and skin around nails.

On the mucous membranes, elements can appear in the larynx, nasal passages; in girls, sometimes there are formations localized on the cervix.

Types of formations

There are several types of papillomas.

• Vulgar (common) warts. They are the most common type of neoplasm. They have a “leg”, rise noticeably above the surface of healthy skin, reaching a diameter of up to 1–2 cm. Sometimes hair grows from the central part of the wart. Such formations do not bother the child with pain or itching and appear on the arms, back or legs.
• Flat or juvenile papillomas. They look like small pigmented plaques of a fuzzy round shape, do not extend beyond the skin and form in groups. Such elements are characterized by a smooth surface and selectivity: they appear on the face, neck, legs, sometimes hands, but never in the armpits, genitals or skin folds. Occurs in children older than 5–6 years.
• Condylomas or genital papillomas. These elements resemble small papillae. They are pink in color and form in areas with thin skin: in the genital area, on the mucous membranes.
• Plantar warts. They affect the feet, occur under the big toes and visually resemble small round calluses.

Another variant of formations is filamentous warts or acrochords. They are similar to regular ones, but differ in elasticity and more compact sizes up to 5–6 mm. They prefer to appear under the mammary glands, in the groin, armpits, and are found on the neck and face.

The dangers of human papillomavirus

Some of the representatives of these microorganisms are harmless to humans, while others can provoke the growth of cancer cells. HPV is classified into two main types:

• Strains with high oncogenic risk. Such variants of the virus provoke the development of condylomas on the mucous membranes and in the genital area. Under unfavorable circumstances, they can cause an oncogenic mutation.
• Strains with low oncogenic risk. Viruses of this type cause warts, plantar lesions and juvenile papillomas. The risk of cell degeneration is minimal.

The greatest danger lies in girls: studies conducted in the USA have proven that 98% of cases of cervical cancer are associated with this virus. There is also a risk of developing cancer of the vagina, ovaries, anal canal, larynx, pharynx, and in boys, the genitals. Papillomas located in the anus and genital area require special attention.

Forum about condylomas / Let's CALM DOWN!

Dear comrades in misfortune! A few months ago, when I was tested for hidden infections, I was found to have HPV types 6 and 18. The first doctor I contacted, a professor at the same time, said that there was nothing to worry about. Just observe. I calmed down, and a week later I saw THEM. I won’t tell you how I cried and rummaged through the Internet, found this forum and read EVERYTHING - you yourself probably went through this if you’re reading this message. In general, I went to another doctor, my mother’s good friend, who confirmed that, of course, there was nothing to worry about, but EVERYTHING NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. She said that yes, the virus cannot be killed, but it can be suppressed. By that time, the virus itself is often eliminated. She prescribed me the following medications: Galavit (suppositories), Isoprinosine (tablets), Epigen - spray, Cycloferon intramuscular injection and remove condylomas with a laser. It was painful as hell to remove. It turned out that there are many more of them than I thought. In some places, the injection was so painful that they burned me without anesthesia. It was scary to watch, I cried and took pills. However, after a month everything healed perfectly, but 2-3 more “grew”, which I also removed, it was no longer so painful, and you can even have sex immediately after removal. Why am I writing all this? I realized that feeling sorry for yourself, crying, becoming an outcast, giving up your personal life is wrong. First of all, be glad that these are condylomas. This is not cancer, not HIV, not hepatitis. It can be treated. Gradually, but it is being treated. There is no need to look at pictures from the Internet and think that “I, too, will grow like a big mushroom and people will avoid me.” No! You already know what you have. You have the Internet and fellow sufferers. You are not suffering from an unknown and incurable disease. CALM DOWN! 1. I realized that my husband, at that time my future husband, infected me with the virus. But it doesn’t manifest itself in any way (pah-pah-pah), I checked. What is the conclusion - the disease acts INDIVIDUALLY! I wanted to write this to those who consider themselves a leper and are afraid of infecting someone - most likely, this person already has the virus, it’s just that each body is individual! Understand! Almost all of my friends have HPV, but only I have condylomas. Do not deny yourself pleasures - live, love! 2. The virus appeared in me after a long sexual life with one partner, but it appeared precisely during a period of stress - work, mortgage. I allowed myself to relax and become sad. Conclusion - be in good shape, don’t sit and feel sorry for yourself, but go hiking, kayaking, go to the sea! This greatly strengthens the immune system! 3. My experience of communicating with 5 (!!!) DOCTORS shows that, unfortunately, you CANNOT trust one specialist! Thank God, we have the Internet and we can check something, clarify it, etc. Doctors are rather cynical people, having seen enough of the terminal stages of cancer, etc., so you can’t get rid of them with warts in an intimate place. Many people told me, what’s the problem? does it hurt? :))) Besides, as sad as it is, you must remember that everyone has their own benefit - for example, I already paid 8 thousand for laser removal, the clinic is profitable and when I told the doctor who removed this beauty for me that I I found an ointment that removes everything painlessly, she reacted very skeptically and said “how well have you studied the Internet, you know everything.” This reaction even inspired me! 4. As many have written here - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Think about why you were given this. You don't have to spend a ton of money. For example, Immunal costs about 200 rubles, and the Echinacea tincture from which it is made costs 45. Is there a difference?) I drink Echinacea, Eleutherococcus, Altai balsam, vitamins and separately vitamin C. 5. It also makes sense to get vaccinated with Gardasil. It ranges from types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is unlikely that you are all sick, which means it will protect you from others. But the main thing is that when the disease is suppressed and one fine day, I believe, the analysis will not show the damned virus - YOU WILL BE PROTECTED FROM THE RISK OF RE-INFECTION! Someone from the medical circles convinces me that the vaccine also has a healing property, I’m not sure of this, but what the hell is not joking. I did the first one, a month later the second one, after which specific antibodies to the virus are produced. So next time my husband won’t infect me. 6. For those who visit Europe, there is Aldara ointment (Imiquimod) 5%. My friends who live there used it, the doctors prescribed it for them. It's much more humane than laser. In addition, the efficiency is high. The medicine in Russia is only at the registration stage. But you can get the recipe in Russia and in Europe, order its translation and buy it. They do this in Finland - I know for sure. It’s especially convenient for those who live in St. Petersburg. But the main thing is faith in recovery! This is 90% success! Don't consider me a crazy optimist, I'm a cruel cynic, but I believe in this. The forum helped me a lot! I read and empathized with everyone and realized that I was not alone!!! Let's hold on! Let's live and be glad that we live! Please get out of depression! PS For girls who have a complex about genital warts, I’ll say that, for example, my husband didn’t notice anything at all, and now that he knows, he doesn’t attach any importance to it. Believe me, sometimes what you worry about, worry about, or feel depressed about is not even noticeable to others! Get well soon everyone!

Diagnosis of HPV

The main clinical sign of papillomatous infection is formation on the skin. Therefore, in most cases, an examination by a doctor is sufficient to make a correct diagnosis. Additional examination methods are:

• biopsy or scraping - taking biological material for further research;
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
• General and biochemical blood test.

These laboratory diagnostic methods help:

• detect the presence of papilloma virus in the child’s body (if there are no growths on the skin);
• accurately determine the HPV strain;
• understand the form of the infection (acute or chronic).

These data are necessary for assessing oncogenic risk and timely further examination.

Treatment of HPV in children

Unfortunately, there are no effective medications for the treatment of papillomavirus in children, as well as in adults.
In most cases, the body copes on its own, and action is only necessary in situations where there is a risk of oncological processes or tumors interfere with the child’s daily life. What do they do if children develop papillomas?

• Do not panic. In the vast majority of cases, warts and other growths go away on their own within 2–3 years. The human papillomavirus is not only easily transmitted, but also quickly “leaves” the child’s body without any consequences or external help.
• Do not try to remove the growths at home, do not tear off or cut off under any circumstances. This is fraught with infection and the extensive appearance of new rashes.
• Contact a dermatologist if any suspicious elements appear on your child’s skin. During the consultation, the doctor will examine and give recommendations, and, if necessary, prescribe removal.

Medical care for manifestations of HPV is limited to the removal of formations that affect the quality of life or are located in places where they are often injured and cause discomfort (on the eyelid, in the genital area, in the larynx).

An extraordinary inspection is needed if:

• the color of the papilloma changes;
• the wart begins to grow or change shape;
• blood or other fluid is released from the formation;
• papilloma is subject to constant friction due to clothing;
• the rashes are on the face or mucous membranes.

It is advisable not to delay a visit to a dermatologist if the formation itches, hurts, causes other physical discomfort, or has been injured. In other cases, it is recommended to observe the “behavior” of the papilloma virus and control the elements on the child’s body.

Options for removing papillomas

There are 5 modern and proven methods, each of which has its own limitations, features and advantages.

• Electrocoagulation. The method is based on the influence of high-frequency electric current. It literally “burns out” the neoplasm, leaving in its place only a dry crust, which eventually falls off on its own.
• Radio wave surgery. This method allows you to remove warts and other elements without contact with the skin, which eliminates the risk of thermal damage to tissue.
• Laser therapy. It involves treating the affected area with light waves of a certain length.
• Cryodestruction. It involves “freezing” new growths with liquid nitrogen.
• Surgical excision. It is performed under local anesthesia using a scalpel.

It is strictly not recommended in childhood to resort to traditional methods of removing warts and to use medications from the pharmacy on your own without the supervision of a doctor. After removal of papillomas, children should not:

• tear off the crust;
• sunbathe;
• visit the baths;
• cover the treatment area with a plaster;
• scratch and rub the removal site.

You should not use creams and ointments without a dermatologist's prescription. In the first 1–4 days, it is advisable to refrain from walking in direct sunlight, swimming in public bodies of water and activities that can injure the treated area of ​​skin.

Methods for removing formations

Depending on the diagnostic results, the doctor recommends one of the methods for removing papillomas:

• Laser is a minimally invasive technology using a laser beam: no pain and bleeding, quick recovery.
• Radio waves are a low-traumatic, non-contact method of removing tumors with an excellent cosmetic effect.
• Cryodestruction - to remove papillomas, liquid nitrogen is used, which cools and destroys tumors.

If you are faced with the need to remove papillomas, Harmony specialists will be happy to help. Our medical center employs leading doctors in the region and has modern professional equipment. Contact us if you want the treatment to be quick, painless and safe for your health.

HPV prevention

The most effective method of preventing infections and complications caused by the human papillomavirus is vaccination. It is carried out before the onset of full puberty and before the start of sexual relations. The optimal age is from 9 to 11 years.

Other preventive measures are:

• maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
• balanced healthy diet;
• timely treatment of abrasions, scratches and other skin damage;
• informing children and adolescents about the dangers of smoking, since tobacco use increases the risk of oncogenic mutations of the virus;
• regular preventive examinations.

It is very important to monitor the child’s health and support immunity in accessible ways. Active physical activity, hardening, and outdoor games are encouraged, allowing the formation of an adequate immune response to environmental factors. It is advisable to abandon home self-medication and uncontrolled use of medications, since incorrect actions can reduce the natural defenses of the child’s body and lead to the activation of HPV.