What is Human papillomavirus?
The '''human papillomavirus''' (HPV) is a [[virus]] that can infect the [[skin]] or [[mucous membrane]]s (like the [[genital]]s, or inside the [[mouth]]) of [[human]]s. They cause [[wart]]s.<ref>Gordon, Marsha; Alice E. Fugate The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beautiful Skin Penguin Group 1998 page 192</ref> Some of them may cause [[cancer]]. There are over 100 different virus types in this group. About 40 virus types can be transmitted sexually. About 12-15 can cause cancer. Most cases of HPV can be prevented by a [[vaccine]],<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet HPV vaccine fact sheet]</ref> which also would stop the HPV from causing cancer. Most cases of [[cervical cancer|cervical]], oral and [[throat cancer]] are caused by HPV.<ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet HPV fact sheet]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/hpv/hpv-oral-cancer-facts.php |title=HPV oral cancer facts |access-date=2016-02-17 |archive-date=2016-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210185129/http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/hpv/hpv-oral-cancer-facts.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The HPV immunisation programme has almost eliminated cervical cancer in women born in England since September 1995.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Fresh Shot|url=https://policyexchange.org.uk/publication/a-fresh-shot/|access-date=2023-10-20|website=Policy Exchange|language=en}}</ref> A first step in treatment is the use of [[salicylic acid]]. This is available in [[pharmacy|pharmacies]], usually without a prescription. If this does not help, the wart can be frozen, and destroyed that way, or a [[laser]] can be used to destroy it. If this still does not help, different methods of [[chemotherapy]] can be used. ==References== {{reflist}} == Other websites == * [http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/?article=stds&refid=037 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608043649/ht