WHAT ARE WARTS
Warts are a clinical term that refers to swellings that develop on the skin, or mucous membranes, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Of the 189 recognised subtypes of papillomavirus (PV), about 40 are sexually transmitted, and some of them cause warts.
Warts are infections of the mucous membranes of the penis, anus and vulva are venereal diseases and are called condylomas.
The acute warts (strains 6 and 11 of the virus) are benign lesions that do not cause cancer, unlike levels (strains 16 , 18 , 31, 33, 33, 45 of the virus) which are considered subclinical lesions of the genital tract and anus and if not treated immediately can lead to cancer.
Only acute warts are visible to the naked eye, flat warts can only be detected with special magnifying glasses, strong light and dermatological and dermoscopic instruments and diagnostic tests.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
- In addition to sexual intercourse, warts are transmitted in many cases by contact/friction with infected fingers and objects.
- The use of a condom is required, although we should be aware that it alone does not protect 100% us from transmitting the virus, as it does not cover the base of the penis, and acute warts may be present in other parts of the perineal or perineal area.
- Annually, women must undergo the Pap test, which is a test that allows the detection of existing lesions and alterations, while through the specialized HPV test and through colposcopy with biopsy, the infection is proved in time.
- It is also important to be examined by the patient himself, to examine the sexual partner for possible transmission of the virus, which applies in most cases even if it is a subclinical lesion, and to avoid minor injuries in the genital area.
THERAPIES
- Topical drugs (trichloroacetic acid, podophyllin, podophyllotoxin, 5-fluorouracil)
- Cryosurgical treatment (cryosurgery)
- Immunomodulators (Interferon-α, Imiquimod, cinecatechins)
- Surgical methods (CO2 laser, transthermal coagulation, surgical resection)
Source : www.edae.gr/
