Genital Warts
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Genital warts (synonyms: viral papillomas, pointed warts, genital warts) are fleshy fleshy warts that appear on the skin and mucous of the genitals, in the corners of the mouth and the perianal region.
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The causes and pathogenesis of genital warts
The causative agent of the disease is human papillomavirus (HPV) - a representative of the family of papovoviruses. It is DNA containing a virus that multiplies in the nuclei of epithelial cells. Genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, less often types 16, 18, 31 and 31. The last three types are highly co-genic viruses and also cause precancerous genital diseases and squamous cell carcinoma. Infection occurs by contact, including sexual. In most patients, the infection is asymptomatic. HPV is in the body in a latent state and is activated only from time to time. Contagiosity is high during the period of exacerbation, when clinically appear genital warts.
Histopathology
When histopathological examination, papillomatosis, acanthosis, thinning of the stratum corneum, parakeratosis sites are noted. Cells of the epidermis are vacuolated, their nuclei are pycnotic. In the dermis, pronounced edema, widening of the blood and lymphatic vessels and a chronic inflammatory infiltrate are observed.
Symptoms of genital warts
After the incubation period, which ranges from several weeks to several years, single papules (papillary growths) appear from the pinhead to the tumor-like formations, the color of normal skin, pinkish or grayish-red in color. Gradually, the size and number of elements increase. Papillary eruptions merge and form extensive warty growths, consisting of individual lobules, the base of which is narrowed in the form of a pedicle. These tumor-like elements take the form of a cock's comb or cauliflower, they have a soft consistency when palpated. When irritating genital warts or non-hygiene elements are macerated, can be eroded and even ulcerated. Accession of secondary infection leads to purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor. Genital warts are often located in the area of the external genitalia and anus, but can also occur on other sites (corners of the mouth, red lip rim, eyelids, conjunctiva). In men, the rash is often localized in the area of the penis frenulum, the crown of the head, the external opening of the urethra, the scrotum, the head and the neck of the penis. In women, condylomas are located on the labia, small labia, clitoris, around the entrance to the vagina. In addition, genital warts can occur in the perineum, urethra, around the anus.
Genital warts of the anogenital area often recur after surgical excision or laser destruction, which is associated with the latent state of the human papillomavirus, located on the border with normal skin in the zone of about 10-15 mm.
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Treatment of genital warts
When genital warts are small in size, solcoderm is effective, powder from resorcinol in half with dermatol, 20% alcohol solution of podophyllin, which are applied to each element. Large elements are surgically removed by electro- or laser coagulation. Assign proteflasite 20 drops 2 times a day as an antiviral and immunocorrecting drug. Also effective are systemic antiviral drugs - acyclovir, valtrex, etc. Conduct a general restorative treatment to raise the defenses of the body.
Outwardly, rinoxal, bonaflone and oxolin ointments are used. The effectiveness of therapy is enhanced when using proteflasitis in the form of lotions on the lesions (30-35 drops of the drug per 10 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution).
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