Papilloma ointment is a topical drug that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Some ointments for benign neoplasms have an unfavorable side effect profile. The effectiveness of drug therapy depends on the correct choice of drug.
General information on pathology
Genital papillomas are benign neoplasms caused by viral diseases of various etiologies. Often genital warts do not hurt. A third of the victims disappear after a few months.
Sometimes small papules can itch, bleed and hurt during intercourse. Victims feel threatened in their sex lives. Many also consider their genital warts to be an aesthetic problem. They are ashamed and want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
There are many ways to treat skin lesions. Therapy depends on which part of the body the genital warts are located on. Another concern is whether there are other sexually transmitted diseases such as fungal infections, genital herpes, HIV or chlamydia.
In the case of vaginal mucosal growth or urethral opening, for example, trichloroacetic acid treatment can kill warts. However, with flat warts, the doctor usually resorts to surgery.
No method guarantees that genital warts (Condylomata acuminata) will disappear forever. Because the immune system does not always completely eliminate the human papilloma virus that causes genital warts, sexually transmitted diseases often return.
The doctor usually recognizes genital warts with the naked eye. He will check the anus and genital area for changes in the skin and can take a tissue sample, which he then examines under a microscope. Genital warts inside the body, such as in the rectum, vaginal mucosa, or urethra, are harder to detect. A special examination is often needed - an examination of the vagina, rectum or urethra.
Once genital warts have been identified, the surgeon can either surgically remove the growths or freeze them with liquid nitrogen. Sometimes special creams and ointments are used. In rare cases, when genital warts grow on the tongue or around the eyes, an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) or ophthalmologist can help.
The main characteristics of the preparation for papillomas
Among the most common preparations against warts are preparations of salicylic acid, which due to their keratolytic action reduce the mass of warts, and sometimes lead to healing with continued use. Salicylic acid destroys the intercellular cohesion of corneal cells and thus dissolves hyperkeratosis.
Salicylates can be widely absorbed through the skin and cause intoxication. Therefore, during pregnancy, infants and young children, as well as kidney failure, long-term treatment of large areas should be avoided. In addition, it prevents contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Medications should not be applied to the genital area and face. Because the drugs differ significantly in the concentration of salicylic acid
To stop cell division, cytostatics are used topically to treat warts. By inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, cytostatics prevent cell proliferation and thus virus spread.
Immunomodulators are approved for the treatment of external genital warts and perianal warts in adults.
Criteria for tool selection
Benign growths usually regress when the immune system manages to kill viruses in the skin. However, if warts are on the way, the following treatment options may be considered:
- medicines;
- cryotherapy;
- surgical ablation.
In order to protect yourself from infection with human papilloma virus, you should pay attention to hygienic measures - disinfection of hands and feet, for example, in swimming pools. Vaccines against papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18 have been available since 2006. In addition to cervical cancer, papilloma viruses also cause external genital warts and skin lesions of the vulva.
In order to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination of girls before the first sexual intercourse (9-14 years) in the recommendation for vaccination for 2018. There is also scientific evidence that vaccinating puberty boys, who are common carriers of the virus, can help control the spread of cervical cancer.
There are other ointments (for example, oxolinic), whose clinical effectiveness has not been proven.
Salicylic ointment for papillomas is currently rarely used because it has a significant number of side effects. Several topical therapies are available for the treatment of external genital warts (Condylomata acuminata), and their effectiveness is difficult to assess because the success rates of studies on individual procedures vary widely. Not everything can prevent frequent relapses and cause significant local discomfort. There is no standard therapy.
Clinical trials are not available for comparison with other treatment options. Due to insufficient documentation, high spontaneous healing and significant side effects, the use of tea extract is not recommended.
Antipapilloma drugs of local action
Genital warts are caused by sexually transmitted human papilloma viruses, most commonly types 6 and 11. On the one hand, they can heal spontaneously, on the other hand, they burden patients and very rarely degenerate into malignant tumors.
It is not recommended to take and apply any means without consulting a doctor. The doctor will tell you which ointment is the best and most effective.
Contraindications and side effects
In rare cases, it can also lead to skin hypersensitivity reactions. If there is a hypersensitivity to methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the use of ointments should be completely discontinued. It is strictly forbidden to use fats during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Ointments can cause skin irritation, scratches and irritation. This side effect is relatively common, but is not a cause for alarm. Fats are also used in cycles of 3 days. After 3 days of use, four days are followed by a break in which the skin regenerates.