Ointment from papillomas is a local drug that has an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect. Some ointments for benign neoplasms have an unfavorable side effect profile. The effectiveness of drug therapy depends on the correct choice of the drug.
General information about pathology
Genital papillomas are benign neoplasms that are caused by viral diseases of various etiologies. Often, genital warts do not hurt. In a 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 sexual life. 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. 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 surgical interventions.
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, STDs often come back.
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 may take a tissue sample, which he then examines under a microscope. Genital warts inside 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 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 rarer cases, when genital warts grow on the tongue or around the eyes, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an ophthalmologist can help.
The main characteristics of preparations for papillomas
Salicylic acid preparations, which, due to their keratolytic effect, reduce the mass of warts and sometimes also lead to healing with continued use, are among the most common anti-wart preparations. Salicylic acid destroys the intercellular cohesion of horny cells and thus dissolves hyperkeratosis.
Salicylates can be widely absorbed through the skin and cause intoxication. Therefore, during pregnancy, infants and toddlers, as well as kidney failure, long-term treatment over large areas should be avoided. In addition, it prevents contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Drugs should not be applied to the genital area and face. Because drugs vary considerably in salicylic acid concentration
To interrupt cell division, cytostatics are used locally in the treatment of warts. By inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis, cytostatics prevent cell proliferation and hence 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 regress when the immune system manages to kill the viruses in the skin. However, if warts are in the way, the following treatment options may be considered:
- medicines;
- cryotherapy;
- surgical ablation.
To protect against infection with human papillomaviruses, attention should be paid to hygiene measures - disinfection of hands and feet, for example, in swimming pools. Vaccines have been available against papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18 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 Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccinating girls before their first sexual intercourse (9-14 years) in the 2018 vaccination recommendation. 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), the clinical effectiveness of which has not been proven.
Salicylic ointment for papillomas is rarely used at the present time, since 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 evaluate because the success rates of studies on individual procedures vary widely. Everything cannot prevent frequent relapses and cause significant local discomfort. There is no standard therapy.
Clinical trials are not available to compare with other treatment options. Due to insufficient documentation, high spontaneous healing, and significant side effects, the use of tea extract is not advised.
Antipapilloma drugs of local action
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. If there is 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 lactation.
Ointments can cause skin irritation, abrasions and irritation. This side effect is relatively common but is not cause for alarm. Ointments are also used in 3-day cycles. After 3 days of use, four days are followed by respite in which the skin is restored.