Molluscum vs. Herpes

I contracted molluscum contagiosum twelve months ago and had it diagnosed by a dermatologist.  The bumps existed in my genital region around the base of the penis shaft.  The bumps are now gone, but I have a red rash in its place that developed about four weeks ago.  The rash is red in coloration, and in the prior two weeks to this week it would develop what appeared to be dry skin flakes on it that would flake off when I washed the area in the shower, and would then reappear the next day. About three days ago, the dry skin flakes stopped forming.  There is a burning itchy sensation in the area affected by the rash, but no bumps or lesions that are visible.

I am worried that this may be herpes, but it could be a condition brought on by the method of which I got rid of my molluscum.  I had the bumps frozen at the dermatologist, and in between treatments I washed the genital region with an antimicrobial wash daily.  Finally, I pulled out the waxy core of the molluscum bumps with tweezers, and after each bump cleansing the tweezers in isopropyl alcohol and with new paper towels.  There were no symptoms for six months until four weeks ago, and during this whole time I was sexually inactive.

I have a friend with genital herpes who was recently diagnosed and I have borrowed his towel in the past to shower.  This brings me to my next question, how else besides intercourse can herpes be transmitted? Does it have a period of time that it can survive on clothing and then it is no longer active? Could I have contracted it from borrowing my friends towel or boxers during one of his breakouts before he was diagnosed? and Finally, do the symptoms I have described sound like herpes?

Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of dermatitis skin and not herpes blisters. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used. Also use good quality moisturizers and wear cotton clothes.

If the symptoms persist then get it evaluated from a dermatologist.
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.