An ointment developed in the laboratories of the Federal University of Alagoas by 4 professors can be one more weapon against HPV. The ointment is prepared with a medicinal plant called Barbatimão, with the scientific name Abarema cochliacarpos , very common in northeastern Brazil.
According to the studies carried out, this ointment may be able to eliminate warts when applied twice a day in the region, and apparently there are no side effects related to its use. In addition, it is believed that it manages to completely eliminate the virus, preventing the reappearance of genital warts because it works by dehydrating the cells affected by the virus, until they dry, peel and disappear.
However, this ointment has been tested on only 46 people, so further studies are needed to confirm that barbatimão is really effective in eliminating the virus. After this step, it is also necessary to obtain approval from ANVISA, which is the body responsible for regularizing the sale of medicines in the national territory until this ointment can be purchased in pharmacies, under medical guidance.
Understand what HPV is
HPV, also known as human papillomavirus, is an infection that can cause warts to appear on the skin. Usually, warts appear on the genital area of a man or woman, but they can also affect other parts of the body, such as anus, nose, throat or mouth. These warts can also lead to the development of cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, mouth or throat.
How the treatment is done
HPV treatment usually includes removing warts through:
- Application of creams or acids: such as Imiquimod or Podofilox, for example, which strengthen the immune system and help remove the outer layers of the warts, until they disappear; Cryotherapy: consists of freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen until they disappear in a few days; Electrocauterization: an electric current is used to burn the warts; Surgery: a small surgery is done in the doctor's office to remove the warts with a scalpel or laser.
However, as there are no drugs capable of eliminating the virus, it is recommended to strengthen the body with medicines prescribed by the doctor, such as Interferon, or with the intake of vitamin C, either through supplements or through fruits such as oranges, kiwis. See more details about the treatment by clicking here.
Transmission and prevention
Transmission occurs most often through unprotected intimate contact and, therefore, HPV is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease. However, it can also be transmitted through direct contact with HPV warts, as in the case of normal delivery of a pregnant woman with genital warts.
To prevent the transmission of this disease, there is an HPV vaccine that can be taken by girls from 9 to 45 years old and boys, between 9 and 26 years old, and which reduces the risk of being infected. However, the best form of prevention continues to be the use of condoms during intimate contact, even after taking the vaccine.
See in a simple way how to identify and treat HPV by watching the following video:
