Today, human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections. According to statistics, it is present in almost 90% of the world's population. Scientists have also proven that two types of the virus (16 and 18) occur in approximately 70% of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and precancerous pathological conditions of the cervix.1 It has been established that in women with long-term persistence of the virus in the body, the risk of developing cervical cancer increases 80 times. For this reason, doctors pay increased attention to the fight against this disease.
- Types of virus that can cause cancer
- Varieties of the virus
- Viferon suppositories for HPV Release form and composition
- Indications for use
- Suppository dosages
- Use during pregnancy
Human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the genus Papillomavirus and belongs to subgroup A of the Papovaviridae family. It inhabits the deep layers of the epithelium (skin and mucous membranes), and its reproduction occurs in the upper layers of the epithelium. The entire life cycle of the virus takes place only inside the cells of the body, but for some time it can also exist in the external environment, which explains its high contagiousness - the ability of infectious diseases to be transmitted from sick people to healthy people by transmitting the pathogen through direct contact or through transmission factors. Re-infection is possible because immunity to this virus is not developed.
Types of HPV with oncogenic risk
Currently, there are more than 600 types (strains) of papillomavirus found in humans. Of these, approximately 40 can cause damage to the anogenital tract of men and women, which is manifested by the formation of condylomas or the development of precancerous changes within the epithelium with the subsequent development of cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and penis.
All types of papillomaviruses are divided into three groups according to their oncogenic danger to humans1:
- human papillomaviruses of low oncogenic risk: 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44;
- viruses of intermediate oncogenic risk: 35, 51, 52, 58;
- viruses of high oncogenic risk: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 56.
The oncogenicity of the virus is explained by its ability to integrate its DNA into the genome of human cells.
Painkillers for pain from wart removal
Some treatments for papillomas cause severe pain. This refers to removal of intimate parts with the help of medications. In such cases, strong analgesics are used. Maybe analgin, tempalgin, paracetamol. The medicine Tramal eliminates pain almost instantly, but it is classified as a narcotic drug and is rarely used as painkillers for pain when removing warts.
Anesthesia should be gentle and non-addictive.
If growths appear on the fingers, feet, heels, or soles, specialists administer local anesthesia using injections.
What types of HPV exist?
HPV infection of anogenital localization can occur in latent, subclinical and clinical forms. In the latent form, the virus is detected, but there are no changes in the epithelium. Subclinical infection is detected only using a test with 3% acetic acid and manifests itself as small flat warts. The clinical form of human papillomavirus infection can occur in the form of intraepithelial lesions (within the epithelium) in women and men, which are not visible to the naked eye, but are detected by colposcopy and cytological/histological examination and can lead to precancerous diseases and cancer. And also in the form of genital warts, which are soft papillary formations on a stalk, prone to fusion. Merging, they form colonies that look like cauliflower.
The manifestations of human papillomavirus are variable and depend on the type of virus. HPV of low oncogenic risk also leads to the appearance of warts and papillomas:
- Vulgar warts are hard growths more than 1 mm in diameter with a rough, keratinized surface. It is possible for papillomas to merge to form large areas of damage.
- Plantar warts are hard, flat formations on the skin of the foot, rising above its level and covered with a layer of keratinized epithelium. They have a protruding rim. Sometimes one wart produces daughter warts.
- Flat warts are skin formations in the form of flat nodules up to 5 mm in size. Flat warts, as a rule, are multiple and are located in groups on the face, back of the hands, and legs.
- Threaded papillomas affect the area around the eyes, groin, neck and armpits. They are elongated formations of elastic consistency measuring 5-6 mm.
There are three known routes of transmission of HPV:
- contact and household;
- sexual (genital, anal, oral-genital);
- in childbirth from mother to child.
Reviews
Peter, 28 years old I am very familiar with papillomas, as my soles were strewn with them. These tumors constantly caused unbearable pain when walking. I had to urgently look for ways to solve the problem before things got even worse. Proven folk methods were ineffective. At a doctor’s appointment, I was recommended to undergo a course of treatment with Viferon. I decided to try it, although I didn’t even hope for a positive result, since I had long been disappointed in all such means. But Viferon still surprised me with its effect. The papillomas began to disappear after about 2 weeks of treatment. After a while they disappeared completely.
Lyubov, 40 years old, I spent a very long time searching for an effective remedy that could help remove viral rashes on the face. I had to give up cheap medications and traditional methods, because I was afraid that they would ruin my skin. And appearance is of great importance to me. The dermatologist advised me to try Viferon treatment. In the reviews, many said that the medicine is not only effective, but also safe. And after treatment with it, the skin remains clean. I trusted Viferon and was not mistaken. The papillomas really went away. Unfortunately, some of the medicine had to be thrown away because it has too short an expiration date after opening the package.
VIFERON Suppositories for HPV
Since infection with the virus and the appearance of papillomas and condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes are inextricably linked with the state of the immune system, treatment when the human papillomavirus is detected in the body includes drugs that not only fight viruses, but also help restore immunity. One of these drugs is VIFERON, which has a wide spectrum of antiviral activity and strengthens the immune system. Recombinant interferon alpha-2b, which is part of this drug, has immunomodulatory, antiviral properties (blocks virus replication) and helps restore the immune system. It is identical to human interferon alpha-2b, but is produced using modern technology without the use of donor blood.
Release form and composition
The drug, which is available in the form of suppositories, gel and ointment, was developed as a result of fundamental research in the field of immunology, which has proven that in the presence of antioxidants (vitamins C, E), the antiviral effect of interferon is enhanced.
VIFERON Suppositories are produced in the form of bullet-shaped rectal suppositories of white-yellow or yellow color. The drug suppresses the activity of viruses and increases the effectiveness of the body's own immune response to pathogenic microorganisms. Cocoa butter, which is part of the drug, contains phospholipids, due to which the medicinal substances are evenly distributed throughout the suppository, which ensures their rapid and almost 100% entry into the blood. Unlike cocoa powder, butter does not contain natural allergens and does not irritate the mucous membrane. The properties of cocoa butter make it possible to avoid the need to add synthetic toxic emulsifiers, which, in the case of using solid fat as the basis of suppositories, are used to uniformly distribute and increase the bioavailability (absorption) of the active substance.
Indications for use for HPV
The drug in the form of suppositories can be used during pregnancy (from the 14th week), as well as during breastfeeding and when treating children.
The drug is used in children and adults as part of complex therapy to combat a number of diseases, including infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract in adults (human papillomavirus, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus infection, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, bacterial vaginosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis, mycoplasmosis). It reduces the frequency of relapses and prevents the progression of cervical pathology associated with HPV infection.
VIFERON suppositories for HPV: drug dosage
Information on how to use VIFERON Suppositories for human papillomavirus is contained in the instructions. The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5-10 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
Before using suppositories, check their expiration date. It is not recommended to use candles that have expired. Before using a rectal suppository, you should wash your hands thoroughly. The candle wrapper must be carefully cut with scissors and its contents removed. Then you need to lie on any side convenient for the procedure, completely straightening your lower leg and bending your upper leg towards your stomach. Then you need to slowly insert the suppository into the anus, pushing it past the muscle sphincter with the tip of your finger. After inserting the suppository, the buttocks should be brought together and held in this position for several seconds.
The use of Viferon suppositories against HPV during pregnancy
Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from the 14th week of gestation) are prescribed VIFERON 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours daily for 10 days, then for 9 days 3 times with an interval of 3 days (on the fourth day) 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. Then every 4 weeks until delivery - the drug in a dosage of 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, the drug is prescribed before delivery (from the 38th week of gestation) at a dosage of 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days.
Analogs
Not all patients have the opportunity to purchase an expensive remedy for the treatment of viral rashes on the body. The option of treatment with its analogues is suitable for them.
Cheap substitutes for Viferon include the following medicines:
- Salicylic ointment. Its cost does not exceed 17 rubles;
- Oxolinic ointment. In pharmacies the drug can be purchased for 17-33 rubles.
The drugs allow you to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect. However, they have their drawbacks, because of which doctors recommend that patients still be treated with Viferon. The point is that these ointments are intended for treating papillomas only in specific areas. They will not help eliminate rashes on the face.
Oxolinic ointment is one of the universal remedies. However, after using it, unpleasant scars may remain on the skin.
Suppositories "Viferon" to support the immune system can be replaced with the following medications:
- "Vitaferon";
- "Laferon";
- "Genferon."
As for candles, Viferon and its analogues are practically in the same price category. Therefore, replacing a drug is advisable only if the patient or doctor is not satisfied with the effect of the prescribed drug.
Gel and ointment VIFERON for HPV
There is no information on the use of VIFERON Ointment and Gel for HPV in the drug instructions. Their use has shown to be effective in some proprietary treatment regimens, but so far the manufacturers have not provided information on the indications for the use of these forms of the drug in the treatment of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus.
Application
Gel Viferon is intended for external use. It can be used in combination with other drugs, but first you need to consult your doctor. Before application, a small amount of gel should be squeezed onto a cotton pad, which should be applied to the affected area of the skin. Experts usually prescribe this gel in a course lasting 1 week to 1.5 months. The drug should be applied to papillomavirus tumors no more than three times daily until the growths are completely eliminated.
Truths and myths about human papillomavirus
FACT 1. Human papillomavirus can cause cervical pathology in the form of precancerous changes and cervical cancer.
This is true. Certain types of virus can cause serious health problems. The virus is found in most patients with cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus of medium and low oncogenic risk leads to the appearance of condylomas, papillomas and warts throughout the body and genitals. These lesions are not precancerous and require treatment for cosmetic reasons.
FACT 2: Condoms and other barrier contraceptives protect against HPV transmission.
It is a myth. Of course, using condoms reduces the risk of contracting the virus, but they are not able to completely protect against infection. Especially in cases where formations in the intimate area are located outside the organs protected by the contraceptive.2
FACT 3. The presence of human papillomavirus in the body is determined by a blood test for antibodies.
It is a myth. Antibodies in the blood can be detected as evidence that the body has previously encountered HPV. The virus itself can only be detected in squamous epithelial cells, which are present on the mucous membranes and skin.
FACT 4. You can completely get rid of the human papillomavirus.
It is a myth. At the moment, there is no method of combating the virus that would permanently eliminate it from the body. However, the manifestations of the virus can be successfully combated with a course of treatment with immunomodulatory drugs with antiviral activity, including the drug VIFERON.1,2
Composition and chemical nature of the drug
The ointment is antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative (prevents the proliferation of tumor cells). It contains: recombinant human interferon, tocopherol acetate, lanolin, petroleum jelly, peach oil and distilled water.
The drug is available in aluminum tubes (6 and 12 g) and polystyrene cans (12 g). Their contents are a thick, odorless, yellowish mass.
Operating principle
On a virus-infected cell, interferon triggers a series of metamorphoses. Thanks to them, intracellular protein production stops. Without it, viruses are unable to reproduce. The work of this main active substance is enhanced by tocopherol. It is designed to patch cell membranes and eliminate toxic free radicals (reaction byproducts). Peach oil softens and moisturizes keratinized skin. Together, the components of the ointment activate the cell's immunity - the action of leukocytes. The latter catch and dissolve the papillomavirus inside themselves.
Important! The advantage of Viferon for papillomas is that it does not penetrate the blood.
Treatment of warts. Where to begin.
The article discusses methods aimed at treating warts, which implies not only removal, but also eradication of the papillomavirus, and at the same time, prevention of relapses. In general, treatment of warts should begin with their removal, followed by consolidation of the effect and prevention of re-infection. If you are looking for wart removal, then you need to refer to another article on the site. If you removed a wart in a clinic and then want to consolidate the effect, that’s one thing. Warts removed in the clinic require only a small additional treatment to consolidate the effect. Usually, it is enough just to apply ointments for several days or take pills to strengthen the immune system. After cryodestruction, even such treatment is not required; the papillomavirus may disappear anyway due to stimulation of the immune system. If you remove it yourself, that's a different question. You need to start by determining the type of wart and studying it in detail. There may be a misdiagnosis here. Warts can be dangerously confused with non-pigmented melanoma, cutaneous horn, skin cancer (squamous cell), or precancerous diseases. This is especially true for single, filiform, periungual and plantar warts. Diagnosis and treatment are more complicated here. Self-treatment of warts with antiviral ointments will be effective after removing the stratum corneum from the wart. But no one will prevent you from taking medications internally. If you are being treated at home, the removal of warts is significantly delayed and can be combined with treatment for papillomavirus.
Treating warts at home.
- Treatment of warts directed against papillomavirus will give the best cosmetic results. On the other hand, it is not a fact that it will get rid of warts quickly and with 100% effectiveness. Still, agents that eat away tissue down to the bone are more likely to get rid of one specific wart. But even in this case, the wart may return due to the fact that the papillomavirus remains on the skin.
- If there are a lot of warts, consult your doctor about prescribing antiviral therapy. This could be interferon alpha intramuscularly, 1-3 million units every other day. Either interferon inducers in tablets, or cimetidine.
- Treatment of warts should always begin with softening, with keratolytic agents in order to remove the upper horny masses and increase the degree of penetration of drugs.
- To do this, use products based on salicylic acid: its solution 2%, Salicylic ointment 2%, Salipod patch, Collomac. Every evening, these medications are applied to the wart or a patch is applied. You will have to try to remove the horny covering from some warts.
- It would also be a good idea to steam the wart and remove crusts from its surface.
- Another good option is to wrap it with a wet plaster or tape overnight; in the morning it will be completely soaked. And during the day use other means for treatment.
