According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 20 million people in the United States have contracted the Human Papilloma Virus. Most commonly, the infection causes embarrassing and unsightly warts, however, in more severe situations, cervical cancer can develop. And though there is no cure for HPV, many times the immune system can eliminate the virus from the body, resulting in a loss of external symptoms.
Identification
According to the Mayo Clinic, the HPV infection is defined as a condition that can be contracted a group of more than 100 related human papilloma viruses. While each type of HPV can potentially cause abnormal growth (resulting in external symptoms); it is possible to have no signs of the infection.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, HPV is sexually transmitted and can be contracted in several ways including sexual intercourse, anal or oral sex. Skin to skin contact is the primary action in the transmission of HPV. It can be transmitted from mother to baby during delivery.
Risks
Certain factors can increase the risk or developing vaginal conditions such as HPV and cervical cancer. Women with a weakened immune system, those taking HIV medications and women with multiple sex partners are examples. In addition, age can also be a factor. According to the Mayo Clinic, younger women may be biologically more susceptible to the virus.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic HPV infections frequently go undetected when no external symptoms are present. When symptoms are present, however, they include genital warts (flat lesions or bumps that have a cauliflower-like appearance); lesions on the tongue, tonsils, nose, larynx or soft palate (the result of HPV contracted by oral sex); excessive or abnormal vaginal bleeding' warts on the hands or fingers, heels or feet; flat warts on the face, neck or hands, wrists, knees and elbows.
Prevention/Solution
While preventing HPV may be possible with vaccinations and by avoiding sexual contact, routine Pap test are important tools for early detection and can catch cervical cancer and other abnormalities in their early stages. Prescription medications, creams and surgery may be required to remove the genital warts as well as cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen). Other warts, such as plantar and flat warts can be treated with salicylic acid (a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne medications that causes the skin to shed).
