Molluscum and follow-on penis problems

[lostmojo]

I found someone else on this forum, finally, who's had the EXACT same problems after dealing with Molluscum Contagiosum.  I got MC in or around Winter of 07/08.  The dermatologist treated it with acid, twice, and by late summer of 2008 the MC bumps were pretty much gone, or at least not coming back in crops of dozens like they were before.  That part seems ok at this point.
My enduring problem: the skin on my penis is moist or much more prone to becoming sweaty and spongy than ever, I get red and irritated hair follicles or in-grown hairs on my scrotum and the base of the shaft more, and since as early as a few months after I first got MC, there has been an odor that I can smell from my groin area.  Not with clothes on, or after a shower... showers temporarily stop the odor.  But for example before a shower when I'm undressed or on the toilet.  It is not a smell I have ever had... not body odor, and of course I'm not confusing the smell with the normal smells of the bathroom.  This is a rancid smell.
I've been to two additional dermatologists since the first one who treated my MC, looking for something to help with these problems.  They've given me creams, the last of which has seemed to help toughen up the skin and take care of some really bad dryness on the penis that I initially had. But the skin has toughened only a little.  For the odor, the last dermatologist suggested I start using deodorant soap (i.e. Irish Spring, instead of Dove, which the original dermatologist told me to use for a prior problem I had with dry skin elsewhere on my body).  This has not helped.  I have also started using scrotum powder, which does keep things a bit more dry, but it does not stop or delay the onset of the odor.  If I don't shower twice in every 24-hour period, the odor is at full strength by the time I get home from work, and often when I wake up in the morning.
Lastly, and not as embarrassing but perhaps more concerning, are the problems I've had urinating freely.  Since the MC has started, but maybe even before, I have not had that sensation that I can just unzip and let it happen.  Especially if I am more flaccid... I do have to put in more effort with whatever muscle it is that makes the process to 'flow.'  I drink at least two liters of water a day, and the sensation of emptying my full bladder is now labored.  In addition my urine is not ever clear anymore, but very yellow, and smells much more strongly than it ever has.

This is a lot of symptoms, a few of which might be natural.  But they have been adding up lately and I am getting extremely stressed and anxious about it.  As a 28 year old who is still in somewhat of a sexual prime, these problems have had an enormous effect on my confidence, as the act of having sex now requires all sorts of preparation to make sure I don't smell or have a moist, sticky penis.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.


This discussion is related to Moist Penis.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be dermatitis, molluscum or even folliculitis.

MC can affect any area of the skin but is most common on the body, arms, and legs. It is spread through direct contact or shared items such as clothing or towels.

In adults, molluscum infections are often sexually transmitted and usually affect the genitals, lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs. In rare cases, infections are also found on the lips, mouth, and eyelids.

The virus can spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, clothing, or toys.

In people with normal immune systems, the disorder usually goes away on its own over a period of months to years.

Individual lesions may be removed surgically, by scraping, de-coring, freezing, or through needle electrosurgery. Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. Medications, such as those used to remove warts, may be helpful in removal of lesions, but can cause blistering that leads to temporary skin discoloration.

Avoid direct contact with the skin lesions. Do not share towels with other people.

Avoiding sex can also prevent molluscum virus and other STDs. You can also avoid STDs by having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.

Male and female condoms cannot fully protect you, as the virus can be on areas not covered by the condom.

Individuals who are predisposed to folliculitis should be extremely careful about personal hygiene. Application of antiseptic washes may help prevent recurrences. A topical antibiotic cream, mupirocin (Bactroban®), has been effective at reducing bacterial colonization in the nostrils. It is applied twice daily for a week and is repeated every 6 months.


Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

A visit to your doctor will help confirm the diagnosis.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.

[lostmojo]

Thank you... this isn't exactly the kind of response I was hoping for.  I have dealt with the molluscum contagiosum already, and the sexual complications involved while the MC is still running its course.  But the MC is pretty much gone and has not been a problem in months.

My concern has more to do with the texture of the skin and the odor.  If these symptoms are due to folliculitis or dermatitis, I have yet to find a dermatologist who I've been to who has made that diagnosis.  However, I'll look into those conditions some more.  If there is any other information out there on the odor and stickiness I'm experiencing, it would be really helpful to hear about that.  Thanks.