Papillomavirus infection is one of the most common viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Almost every person has faced one or another of its manifestations at least once in their life. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known, each of which causes neoplasms of a certain type and location: papillomas on the body, mucous membranes, convex and flat warts on the hands and feet, genital warts and other growths. Papillomas can be single or multiple. Choosing an effective drug for papillomas is not an easy task, so it is better to entrust it to a dermatovenerologist.
Types of HPV drugs
Medicines used in the treatment of HPV are divided into the following groups:
- Antiviruses.
- Immunostimulants.
- Means for destroying neoplasms.
First you need to determine the nature of the neoplasm: sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a papilloma from a mole or condyloma. Then, PCR analysis is used to determine the type of virus, because some of them contribute to the development of malignant neoplasms. Anti-papilloma drugs can be used in combination or separately.
Antiviruses
Treatment of skin neoplasms caused by HPV rarely ends without drugs from this group. They have a harmful effect on the virus, prevent its reproduction and have an immunomodulatory effect.
Pharmaceutical preparations produced in several dosage forms are especially popular: injections, tablets, suppositories, ointments and gels. Usually, with individual formations, local application may be sufficient.
Antiviral ointments and gels are prescribed before and after the procedure of laser therapy, electrocoagulation, and after it they provide high treatment efficiency and prevention of recurrence.
What are the indications for the appointment of systemic antiviral drugs:
- HPV infection of high and potentially high oncological risk, confirmed by PCR;
- multiple papillomas on the body (this indicates high HPV activity);
- states of primary and secondary immunodeficiency (when the body cannot cope with the viral load on its own).
Antiviral drugs (injections and tablets) are contraindicated:
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- with individual intolerance.
Most medicines are available by prescription.
What antiviral drugs are considered the most effective and can get rid of papillomas?
Inosine tablets
The medicine is available in tablets. This is one of the most popular remedies for papillomas today. The active substance is inosine (purine derivative). It has a complex effect:
- blocks the enzymes of the virus, causing its death;
- activates interferon production;
- activates lymphocytes;
- inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators.
It is prescribed 2 tablets a day for 2 weeks, if necessary, it is possible to extend the course of treatment up to a month. It can be used in children older than 3 years.
During admission, nausea, headache, worsening of gout may occur.
Medicines based on meglumine acridone acetate
The drug is available in two forms: injection and tablets. The active ingredient is meglumine acridone acetate. The mechanism of action is the induction of interferon.
Effects:
- antivirus;
- immunomodulatory;
- anti-inflammatory.
Intramuscular injections of the drug are given every other day, up to 10 injections per course.
Agents based on glycosides isolated from nightshade stems
Form of release: solution for intravenous injections, ointment, gel spray inlay for the treatment of the oral cavity, gel spray intimate for the treatment of papillomas on the genitals. The active substance is a glycoside isolated from nightshade stems.
This is a modern antiviral drug with a wide spectrum of action:
- anti-inflammatory,
- immunomodulatory,
- promotes tissue regeneration.
Intravenous injections are prescribed according to the scheme: the first 3 times in 2 days, the next 5 times in 3 days. Topical formulations and injections are generally well tolerated. Ointment and gel are allowed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Immunostimulants
Multiple papillomas often indicate a malfunction in the body. Medicines of this group have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Before use, a consultation with an immunologist and an additional examination (immunogram) is necessary.
Immunostimulants alone cannot get rid of external manifestations of the human papillomavirus. But with confirmed immunodeficiency, they must be included in the HPV treatment complex. They are compatible with antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antifungal agents.
It is forbidden to use immunostimulants:
- during pregnancy;
- lactation;
- individual intolerance.
They are sold in pharmacies with a prescription. Which of the drugs from this group is the most effective?
Compositions for destroying papillomas
Medicines of this group have a direct medical effect on papillomas. They contain aggressive components that destroy epithelial cells. Which of them are the most popular among doctors and patients and which are able to get rid of HPV-related skin neoplasms?
Antifreeze
The papilloma is affected by a temperature of -57 ° C, which leads to a violation of its blood supply and necrosis. The medicine is sold in a pharmacy without a prescription.
The product must not be used on areas with sensitive skin (face, axillary region, intimate areas) and mucous membranes.
The kit includes a bottle with a mixture of propane and dimethyl ether, a plastic holder and foam rubber applicators. Several formations can be processed in one session. The exposure time depends on the size of the papilloma, but it should not be longer than 40 seconds. Papilloma shedding occurs in 10-14 days. 1 to 4 procedures are required to remove the formation.
Drops based on methacrysol
Drops for external use with included applicator. This is a relatively new effective treatment for papillomas. The main component is metacresol. It has a cauterizing effect, leads to the death of the virus and the destruction of the neoplasm.
The medicine is applied to the elements very carefully, point by point. If a drop of the solution gets on healthy surrounding tissue, it must be removed immediately with a dry cotton swab. Small papillomas on the body are treated once, larger ones 3-4 times, with an interval of a few minutes, after the previous layer has dried.
It is impossible to treat papillomas located in skin folds, interdigital spaces with medicine.
Removal of neoplasms in the anogenital zone is better entrusted to a medical expert.
Preparation based on a mixture of acids
The release form is a solution bottle, a plastic applicator for local application and a glass capillary for treating large areas.
The medicine contains a mixture of acids: trichloroacetic, oxalic, nitric and lactic. Drops of the solution cause a chemical burn of the tissue, which leads to mummification of the papilloma.
The agent is gently applied to the affected area until its color changes. After the effect of this drug on the papilloma, a crust forms on its surface, which disappears on its own after 10-12 days. If the effect is not sufficient, the procedure must be repeated.
Treatment results
After the use of drugs, the DNA of the virus remains in the human body. The purpose of using drugs for papillomas is to remove external manifestations, strengthen immunity and achieve the transition of HPV infection into a latent form. Only local influence with individual formations on the body is possible. In other cases, its efficiency is 25-50%.
What conditions are necessary to achieve the best result?
- complete diagnostics;
- combined treatment approach;
- selection of the optimal treatment regimen.
Therefore, the key to successful treatment of papillomavirus is timely medical help. There are many medications for papillomas, and a professional should determine which one is best for a person in each case.