Identification
Human papillomavirus infection, or HPV, is one type of infection caused by a virus. There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus that can cause an HPV infection, say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. HPV may result in physical symptoms of warts on the genitals, hands, feet, mouth and even within the respiratory tract. Not everyone with HPV, however, will develop warts as a result of HPV.
HPV is an extremely common cause of sexually-transmitted infections, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that about 20 million people in the U.S. are infected with HPV.
HPV Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no real cure or treatment to kill human papillomavirus or an HPV infection. But the body does take care of itself, and the immune system often works to get rid of the virus on its own, without treatment. Genital warts, which often result from HPV infection, also typically disappear without any treatment.
Preventing the Spread
Experts at the Mayo Clinic says that a vaccine, called Gardasil, may be administered to women to help prevent HPV. Careful sexual practices can also help prevent contracting HPV, so condom use is recommended any time a people have sex. Being monogamous can also reduce the spread of HPV.
People who develop warts that don't clear up can seek treatment. Prescription medications, creams and chemicals can help shrink a wart caused by HPV, or the wart can be removed via cryotherapy (freezing it off), lasers or surgery.
