Papilloma ointment is a local drug that has an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect. Some benign cancer ointments have an unfavorable side effect profile. The effectiveness of drug therapy depends on the correct choice of the drug.
General information on the pathology
Genital papillomas are benign neoplasms caused by viral diseases of various etiologies. Genital warts often don't hurt. In one third of the victims they disappear after a few months.
Sometimes small papules can itch, bleed, and hurt during intercourse. Victims feel disadvantaged in their sex life. Many also consider their genital warts a cosmetic 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. Another concern is whether there are other sexually transmitted diseases such as fungal infections, genital herpes, HIV or chlamydia.
In case of growth of the mucous membrane of the vagina or opening of the urethra, for example, treatment with trichloroacetic acid can kill the warts. However, on 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 papillomavirus that causes genital warts, sexually transmitted diseases often recur.
A doctor will usually recognize 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 within the body, such as in the rectum, on the vaginal mucosa or in the urethra, are more difficult to detect. Often a special examination is needed - an examination of the vagina, rectum or urethra.
Once genital warts are identified, the surgeon can surgically remove the growths or freeze them with liquid nitrogen. Sometimes special creams and ointments are used. In rarer cases, when genital warts grow on the tongue or around the eyes, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or eye doctor can help.
The main features of papilloma preparations
Preparations based on salicylic acid, which, due to their keratolytic effect, reduce the mass of warts and sometimes even lead to healing with continued use, are among the most common anti-warts preparations. Salicylic acid destroys the intercellular cohesion of the horny cells and thus dissolves the hyperkeratosis.
Salicylates can be extensively absorbed through the skin and cause intoxication. Therefore, long-term treatment over large areas should be avoided during pregnancy, infants and young children, as well as kidney failure. In addition, it prevents contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Medicines should not be applied to the genital area and face. Because drugs vary considerably in salicylic acid concentration
To stop cell division, cytostatics are used topically in the treatment of warts. By inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA, cytostatics prevent cell proliferation and thus the spread of the virus.
Immunomodulators are approved for the treatment of external genital warts and perianal warts in adults.
Tool selection criteria
Benign growths usually subside when the immune system manages to kill viruses in the skin. However, if warts get in the way, the following treatment options may be considered:
- medicines;
- cryotherapy;
- surgical ablation.
To protect yourself from human papillomavirus infection, you need to pay attention to hygiene 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, papillomaviruses also cause external genital warts and vulvar skin lesions.
To reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, the Robert Koch Institute's Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccinating girls before their first sexual intercourse (age 9-14) in the 2018 vaccination recommendation. There is also evidence 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), the clinical effectiveness of which has not been proven.
Salicylic ointment for papillomas is rarely used at the moment, as it has a significant number of side effects. There are several topical therapies available to treat external genital warts (Condylomata acuminata), and their effectiveness is difficult to assess because the success rates of individual procedure studies vary widely. Everything cannot prevent frequent relapses and cause significant local discomfort. There is no standard therapy.
No clinical studies are 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.
Local action anti-papilloma drugs
Genital warts are caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses, most often 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. Which ointment is the best and most effective will tell the doctor.
Contraindications and side effects
In more rare cases, it can also lead to skin hypersensitivity reactions. In case of hypersensitivity to methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the use of ointments should be completely abandoned. It is strictly forbidden to use ointments during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Ointments can cause irritation, abrasions and skin irritation. This side effect is relatively common but is no cause for alarm. Ointments are also used in 3-day cycles. After 3 days of use, four days of respite follow in which the skin is restored.