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 about the pathology
Genital papillomas are benign neoplasms caused by viral diseases of various etiologies. Often genital warts do not hurt. One third of the victims disappeared after a few months.
Sometimes small papules can itch, bleed and hurt during intercourse. Victims feel disadvantaged 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 in. Another concern is whether there are other sexually transmitted diseases, such as fungal infections, genital herpes, HIV or chlamydia.
In the case of enlargement of the vaginal mucosa or opening of the urethra, for example, treatment with trichloroacetic acid can kill warts. However, for 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, which 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 is then examined under a microscope. Genital warts inside the body, such as in the rectum, vaginal mucosa or urethra, are more difficult to detect. Often a special test is needed - a test 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 preparations for papillomas
Among the most common anti-wart preparations are preparations with salicylic acid, which due to their keratolytic effect reduce the mass of warts and sometimes lead to healing with prolonged use. Salicylic acid destroys the intercellular adhesion of horny 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 renal failure, prolonged treatment of large areas should be avoided. It also prevents contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Medicines should not be applied to the genitals or face. Because drugs differ significantly in the concentration of salicylic acid
To stop cell division, cytostatics are used topically to treat warts. By inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA, 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.
Criteria for tool selection
Benign formations usually regress when the immune system manages to kill viruses in the skin. However, if warts interfere, the following treatment options may be considered:
- medicines;
- cryotherapy;
- surgical ablation.
To prevent infection with human papillomavirus, attention should be paid 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 skin lesions of the vulva.
To reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccinating girls before their first sexual intercourse (9-14 years) in the 2018 vaccination recommendation. Evidence that vaccinating adolescent boys, who are common carriers of the virus, may help control the spread of cervical cancer.
There are other ointments (eg oxolinic) that have not been shown to be clinically effective.
Salicylic ointment for papillomas is currently rarely used because it has a significant number of side effects. There are several topical therapies available for the treatment of external genital warts (Condylomata acuminata) and their effectiveness is difficult to assess, as the success rate of studies for individual procedures varies considerably. 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 degree of spontaneous healing and significant side effects, the use of tea extract is not recommended.
Topical antipapilloma drugs
Genital warts are caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses, most often types 6 and 11. On the one hand, they can be treated spontaneously, on the other hand they burden patients and very rarely degenerate into malignant tumors.
It is not recommended to take and administer any medication without consulting a doctor. Which ointment is the best and most effective, the doctor will say.
Contraindications and side effects
In rare cases, it may cause skin hypersensitivity reactions. If there is a hypersensitivity to methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate or propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the use of ointments should be completely discontinued. The use of ointments during pregnancy or lactation is strictly prohibited.
Ointments can cause skin irritation, abrasions and irritation. This side effect is relatively common, but not a cause for concern. Ointments are also used in 3-day cycles. After 3 days of use, four days are followed by a break in which the skin recovers.