What’s it got to do with warts?
After decades of medical research, researchers have identified the Human Papilloma Virus – HPV Virus, as the specific cause of warts in humans. This is why warts are considered as a viral infection that causes neoplasm of the mucus membranes and the skin in various parts of the human body. The HPV Virus that causes warts is highly contagious and transmission through direct contact with an infected person is a common occurrence. The warts caused by the HPV Virus vary in nature and occur in such areas of the human body, as the eyelids, face (facial warts), hands, knees, lips, neck, feet soles (plantar warts) and wrists. Among the many different types of this virus identified are the HPV Virus in men and anal HPV Virus. Read on to learn more about the HPV Virus and warts.
Medical research findings
In-depth, medical research findings reveal that the HPV Virus is only active in, and between, humans. As of today, a minimum of 65 different HPV Virus types have been identified by medial scientists and researchers, who also conclude that each type varies in cellular structure. They have also found that the wart location in the human body is dependent on the specific type of HPV Virus affecting different individuals.
- HPV Virus types 1, 2, 3 and 4 usually cause common, non-genital type warts.
- HPV Virus types 6, 11, 16 and 18 cause genital lesions, for example, HPV Virus in men or the anal HPV Virus (anal warts).
- Although warts in general are found to be benign, neoplasm in nature, some do have the potential for malignancy, specifically, genital warts of the 16 and 18 HPV Virus type.
- DNA analysis is the process used successfully to identify the specific HPV Virus causing a particular type of wart.
- Clinical appearance of a wart on its own cannot reveal the difference between one genotype and another. Therefore, it is highly advised for an individual to consult a qualified physician if unsure about the HPV genital virus that particular individual may have been infected with.
HPV Virus affecting men
Despite the fact that a significant, part of the information and research about the HPV Virus focuses on women, as those affected with this virus run the risk of contracting cervical cancer, the HPV Virus in men is also the cause of health related problems. The HPV Virus in men increases the risk of them contracting cancer in the genital area. However, such cancers are uncommon but the HPV Virus can cause warts in men’s genitals, just as they do in women. The anal HPV Virus can also cause anal cancer among gay and bisexual men who are sexually active. The risk of contracting this cancer is higher by approximately 17 times for this segment than among heterosexual men.
While it’s true that the susceptibility to contracting HPV Virus depends on the health of an individual’s immune system, it is advisable to avoid direct contact with a person infected with HPV Virus, or to share any personal items such as towels owned by them. After all, as the popular saying goes – “Prevention is better than cure”.
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