Almost every frequent human condition is associated with at least one legend About the appearance and manner of treatment and the infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is no exception. In the whole world folk traditions and myths associate the warts And ants with magic and swampy areas, but all these imaginative stories create misunderstandings.
Faith in these false beliefs can lead to confusion about HPV treatment, cause warts to spread, and even endanger the sufferers.
“These benign tumors are an extremely common skin abnormality that can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin type. Their presence raises great concern about the appearance, especially when they grow in visible areas such as face, hands and legs. For most it is, that is, aesthetic problem, which can lead to embarrassment and feelings of shame.
Unfortunately, most do not talk about them, especially when it comes to warts on the genitals. They ignore that many people are infected by HPV and develop symptoms, especially during childhood. There is a need to learn What is HPV, how is it transmitted and how is healedin order to break up the inaccuracies and myths around him. Knowing the truth we can protect ourselves and avoid unnecessary suffering, ”notes Dermatologist-Aphrodisiologist Dr. Christos Stamou.
Human papillomavirus is a family of viruses that includes more than 200 strains. They enter the body from small scratches and most of them affect the skin, causing warts/warts on the soles of the feet in the hands, chest, etc. Others infect the mucous membranes, namely genitals, anus and mouthwash. These mucosal types of the virus are distinguished at low and high risk for cancer.
Depending on their detection and their appearance, skin types are distinguished in common ants, perionism, plantar, smooth and filamentous, each of which has its own characteristics. The mucosal or genital types are considered sexually transmitted disease and the lesions caused look like small pimples or as tiny cauliflower. They may be single or multiple and most often have skin color, but it may be slightly lighter or darker than it.
HPV is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person or indirect through infected surfaces and objects. Once a person becomes infected, the virus remains in the body for life. The manifestation or not of the symptoms depends on the immune system – the stronger it is, the less likely it is. Relations are frequent. Most lesions do not hurt (except those developed on the soles) and therefore often do not cause concern.
The diagnosis is made by clinical examination and biopsy to determine the strain of the virus that caused the warts/ants. The ways to deal with them are enough and the choice depends on the position, size, type of damage, but also on the patient’s age and health condition.
Having learned the truth, it is easy to recognize the myths created around the symptoms caused by HPV. The most common are:
Warts/ants are just an aesthetic problem
It is the prevailing myth but the truth is that their neglect can lead to proliferation or deterioration over time. Especially genital warts can endanger the patient’s life.
All warts/ants are the same
Another wrong belief is that all warts/ants have the same characteristics and are cured in the same way. The truth is, however, that each type has unique characteristics and requires specific therapeutic approaches. Its recognition is essential for effective treatment.
Treatment is easily done at home
It would be very nice to be able to get rid of the symptoms of HPV quickly and easily at home. It is true that there are medicines for removing warts at home, but they are not suitable for all warts/warts. For example, those very deeply rooted cannot be cured with these local treatments, but other therapeutic approaches are required by a dermatologist in the clinic.
Warts/ants disappear on their own
The truth is that the more likely the warts/ants are likely to retreat after a few weeks or months – even without treatment – it is so reappeared even after treatment with medicines. Because in reality the body has not yet been found to eradicate the virus.
Warts/ants do not need treatment
Yes, although permanent HPV relief is controversial, it does not mean that they must be left untreated. On the one hand, because the patient may be suffering from irritation, itching or even pain, and on the other hand, some of them have the risk of cancer and cancer (Bleleononon types).
“The method of treatment chosen to eliminate warts/ants depends on the severity of the lesions and the number of skin lesions they have caused. The ones most often chosen is their sublimation with laser, Cryotherapy and local treatments with creams or solutions.
The use of lasers is the most effective and painless method, which can relieve warts in a single session, without affecting neighboring areas, minimizing the possibility of relapse.
Cryotherapy is the classic and always safe method of handling warts/ants, with only a disadvantage, compared to lasers, the need to repeat treatments every 1-2 weeks until the damage is eliminated.
Local treatments are easy to apply but are at greater risk of relapses when not applied by a doctor, as well as lesions of adjacent tissues.
In special cases, warts/ants can be surgically removed, ”concludes Dr. Stamou.