Herpes, Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema, or Molluscums?

I've had skin problems since the day I was born.  I've had impetigo as a baby on my face, and I've had eczema or atopic dermatitis since I can remember.  Recently, I've been getting molluscums on my legs.  I went to my dermatologist a month ago to get a refill on antibiotic cream for my atopic dermatitis and he looked at a spot on the back of my leg that he thought could be molluscums that I scratched off and irritated, but he told me we'd take care of the atopic first and then when I came back in a month, we'd see if that spot cleared up or if it was actually molluscums.  That is the only spot that didnt clear up in the past month, but it has been getting better slowly. It is also the place that my eczema has been the worst my entire life; the spot that I itch the hardest and takes longest to clear up.  I went back to the doctor this past week to get 37 other molluscums lasered off my legs (they never told me not to shave my legs, so the 5 molluscums I had a month ago turned into almost 40).  He looked at the spot on the back of my leg that hadn't cleared up and out of no where, told me it was genital herpes after a quick glimpse.  I've been with 1 guy only and we are very careful about being safe. I've done tons of research since the news and everything on the internet is pointing to my atopic derm- even the pictures.  I've had no troubles urinating, and never have had cold sores, blisters, crusting, or anything of the sort.  Just my normal, dry, itchy skin.  This is the only dermatologist in my area, but I fear going back to him.  My boyfriend went to the doctor immediately after hearing about this and his doctor literally laughed at the idea that it could be herpes on me.  Could it be molluscums and thats why it isnt healing quickly? Or do you suggest atopic dermatitis or herpes?

[maatson]

The Hepes Simplex virus, whether it is type1 or type 2 can indeed cause problem in the Atopics. However it is not like your clinical  picture, but a florid condition called Kaposi's Varicelliform Eruption and is a serious condition.
Your condition has absolutely nothing to do with this. but this could well be a slow healing molluscum. Quit your fears now!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms that you have described, it is unlikely to be due to herpes. It can be due to molluscum contagiosum which has been scrapped off or if it is dry and flaky then eczema is another possibility.
Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from herpes infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.