Papillomavirus infection is one of the most common viral diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Almost every person at least once in life has faced one or another of its manifestations. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known, each of which causes neoplasms of a certain type and localization: papillomas on the body, mucous membranes, convex and flat warts on the arms and legs, genital warts and other growths. Papillomas can be single and multiple. Choosing an effective cure for papillomas is not an easy task, so it is best to entrust it to a dermatovenereologist.
Types of HPV drugs
Medicines used in the treatment of HPV are divided into the following groups:
- Antivirals.
- Immunostimulants.
- Means for the destruction of neoplasms.
First you need to determine the nature of the neoplasm: sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a papilloma from a mole or a condyloma. Then, using PCR analysis, determine the type of virus, since some of them contribute to the development of malignant neoplasms. Papilloma drugs can be used in combination or separately.
Antivirals
Drug treatment of HPV-induced skin cancers is rarely complete without drugs from this group. They have a detrimental effect on the virus, prevent its reproduction and have an immunomodulatory effect.
Particularly popular are pharmaceutical preparations, produced in different dosage forms: injections, tablets, suppositories, ointments and gels. Usually, with single formations, local application may be sufficient.
Antiviral ointments and gels are prescribed before and after the procedure of laser therapy, electrocoagulation, and after that, they provide high efficiency of treatment and prevention of relapse.
What are the indications for the appointment of systemic drugs against the virus:
- HPV infection with high and potentially high cancer risk, confirmed by PCR;
- multiple papillomas on the body (this indicates high HPV activity);
- states of primary and secondary immunodeficiency (when the body is unable to cope with the viral load on its own).
Antiviral drugs (injections and tablets) are contraindicated:
- during pregnancy;
- during breastfeeding;
- with individual intolerance.
Most medicines are available by prescription.
What antiviral drugs are considered the most effective and are able to eliminate papillomas?
Inosine tablets
The drug is available in tablets. This is one of the most popular treatments for papilloma today. The active ingredient is inosine (derivative of purines). It has a complex effect:
- blocks the enzymes of the virus, causing its death;
- activates the production of interferon;
- activates lymphocytes;
- inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators.
2 tablets a day are prescribed for 2 weeks, if necessary it is possible to extend the course of treatment up to a month. It can be used in children over 3 years of age.
During the reception, nausea, headache, exacerbation of gout may occur.
Medicines based on meglumine acridone acetate
The drug is available in two forms: injection and tablet. The active ingredient is meglumine acridone acetate. The mechanism of action is the induction of interferon.
Effects:
- antiviral;
- immunomodulating;
- anti-inflammatory.
Intramuscular injections of the drug are given every other day, up to 10 injections per cycle.
Means based on glycoside isolated from stems of nightshade
Release form: solution for intravenous injections, ointment, spray gel inlay for the treatment of the oral cavity, intimate spray gel for the treatment of papillomas on the genitals. The active ingredient is a glycoside isolated from the stems of nightshade.
This is a modern remedy against the virus with a broad 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. The ointment and gel can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Immunostimulants
Multiple papillomas often indicate a malfunction in the body. Drugs of this group have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Before use, consultation with an immunologist and further examination (immunogram) is required.
By themselves, immunostimulants cannot eliminate the 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.
The use of immunostimulants is prohibited:
- during pregnancy;
- feeding time;
- individual intolerance.
They are sold in pharmacies by prescription. Which of the drugs of this group is the most effective?
Compositions for the destruction of the papilloma
Medicines of this group have a direct medicinal effect on papilloma. They contain aggressive components that destroy epithelial cells. Which of these are the most popular among doctors and patients and are able to get rid of HPV-associated skin neoplasms?
Freezing drug
Papilloma is affected by a temperature of -57 ° C, which leads to a violation of its blood supply and necrosis. The drug is sold in pharmacies without a prescription.
The product should not be used on areas with delicate skin (face, axillary region, intimate areas) and on mucous membranes.
The kit includes a bottle with a mixture of propane and dimethyl ether, a plastic holder and foam applicators. In one session it is possible to process several trainings. The exposure time depends on the size of the papilloma, but should not exceed 40 seconds. The fall of the papilloma occurs in 10-14 days. To remove the formation, 1 to 4 procedures are required.
Drops based on methacrisole
Drops for external use with applicator included. This is a relatively new effective drug 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 drug is applied to the elements very carefully, in a timely manner. If a drop of the solution comes into contact with healthy surrounding tissue, it should be immediately wiped off with a dry cotton swab. Small papillomas on the body are treated once, larger ones 3-4 times, with an interval of several minutes, after the previous layer has dried.
It is impossible to treat papillomas located in the skin folds, interdigital spaces with the drug.
It is better to entrust the removal of neoplasms in the anogenital area to a doctor.
Preparation based on a mixture of acids
The release form is a bottle with a solution, a plastic applicator for local application and a glass capillary for the treatment of large surfaces.
The drug contains a mixture of acids: trichloroacetic, oxalic, nitric and lactic. Drops of the solution cause a chemical burn of the tissue, which leads to the mummification of the papilloma.
The agent is applied gently to the affected area until its color changes. After the effect of this medicine on the papilloma, a crust forms on its surface, which disappears by itself after 10-12 days. If the effect is insufficient, the procedure must be repeated.
Results of the treatment
After the use of drugs, the DNA of the virus remains in the human body. The purpose of using drugs for papillomas is to eliminate external manifestations, strengthen immunity and achieve the passage of HPV infection to a latent form. Only local impact is possible with individual formations on the body. In other cases, its effectiveness is 25-50%.
What conditions are necessary to obtain the best result?
- complete diagnostics;
- combined approach to treatment;
- choice of the optimal therapeutic regimen.
Therefore, the key to effective papillomavirus treatment is to seek medical help promptly. There are many medications for papilloma, and a specialist should determine which one is best for a person in each case.