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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Molluscum Questions
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Molluscum Questions
by t142, Dec 19, 2006 12:00AM
About a year ago, I was diagnosed with Molluscum in the genital region.
It started with a few red bumps; a couple of which contained white pus.
I attended a few sessions at a local clinic to have the Molluscum frozen off.
There were no problems or symptoms for the last 9 or 10 months, but I'm now completely paranoid
about any redness or bumps of any kind in the genital region. For reference, I have had HIV tests (taken
3 months after each last contact) after each sexual partner, all of which had negative results.
(1) Over the past week or so, I've had one small red bump develop just above the shaft of the penis;
I can't quite tell whether there is white pus inside; but there is no direct itching or burning.
I have another small red bump a good 2 inches away, which has no whiteness to it. For reference, I do not shave the genital area regularly.
Could this be recurring molluscum?
(2) Also, recently I've been experiencing a bit of an itchy redness (rash-like) between my scrotum
and inner thighs. This is also happening slightly in my pubic region, above the penis.
I have been stressed lately, and I perspire a lot underneath my clothing in general, and I've had previous
doctors tell me this likely is jock itch or something similar.
My main concern, however are the two small bumps. They do not go away readily.
(3) Also, I've never received a clear answer from a medical professional directly: is molluscum a chronic condition, meaning
the virus is always present and remains dormant, like HSV?
(4)how often will the condition recur after it is fully treated? is that what may be happening in my case?
(5)Will it ever be possible for me to have healthy, worry free(besides pregnancy, other conditions on her part), unprotected sex in the future?
(with say, the woman I choose to marry down the line)
(6)should I feel obliged to inform future partners of my molluscum experience?
Thank you for your time, and I apologize for the rapid-fire questionairre.
It started with a few red bumps; a couple of which contained white pus.
I attended a few sessions at a local clinic to have the Molluscum frozen off.
There were no problems or symptoms for the last 9 or 10 months, but I'm now completely paranoid
about any redness or bumps of any kind in the genital region. For reference, I have had HIV tests (taken
3 months after each last contact) after each sexual partner, all of which had negative results.
(1) Over the past week or so, I've had one small red bump develop just above the shaft of the penis;
I can't quite tell whether there is white pus inside; but there is no direct itching or burning.
I have another small red bump a good 2 inches away, which has no whiteness to it. For reference, I do not shave the genital area regularly.
Could this be recurring molluscum?
(2) Also, recently I've been experiencing a bit of an itchy redness (rash-like) between my scrotum
and inner thighs. This is also happening slightly in my pubic region, above the penis.
I have been stressed lately, and I perspire a lot underneath my clothing in general, and I've had previous
doctors tell me this likely is jock itch or something similar.
My main concern, however are the two small bumps. They do not go away readily.
(3) Also, I've never received a clear answer from a medical professional directly: is molluscum a chronic condition, meaning
the virus is always present and remains dormant, like HSV?
(4)how often will the condition recur after it is fully treated? is that what may be happening in my case?
(5)Will it ever be possible for me to have healthy, worry free(besides pregnancy, other conditions on her part), unprotected sex in the future?
(with say, the woman I choose to marry down the line)
(6)should I feel obliged to inform future partners of my molluscum experience?
Thank you for your time, and I apologize for the rapid-fire questionairre.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 20, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 20, 2006 12:00AM
Molluscum is not a chronic condition; I'm really not sure why you should think it is. Of course it should be possible for you to be worry-free. All you have to do is accept the fact that molluscum doesn't keep coming back and that every little bump you see isn't another molluscum. No, you don't need to tell future partners about this episode.
Your post-molluscum paranoia is way out of proportion to the risks of the actual disease. You should see a doctor to confirm that these bumps and itches you have are not molluscum-related. Then either forget about it, or get the counseling you need to help you do so.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
Your post-molluscum paranoia is way out of proportion to the risks of the actual disease. You should see a doctor to confirm that these bumps and itches you have are not molluscum-related. Then either forget about it, or get the counseling you need to help you do so.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (1)
by holdplease, Jun 06, 2008 12:08PM
A related discussion, Mollescum wont go away after 5 years was started.
