Molluscum

I recently discovered about twenty tiny dimpled bumps on my lower abdomen. From what I have found online, they are most likely Molluscum. Most of what I found on Molluscum in adults links it to possible HIV infection. Needless to say, this has me terrified. The HIV test is on its way. In the meantime, I can't sleep. How common is Molluscum in HIV- adults. Is this a common early sign of HIV infection?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Molluscum is very common in adults.  It is also very common in children.  Most cases are not even associated with sexual transmission, much less HIV.  Untreated HIV patients may get huge numbers of mollusca, but ordinary mollusca, which are what you seem to have, are mostly associated with good health otherwise.  If you don't treat mollusca, they go away.  if you do get them frozen or dealt with some other way, they go away faster.

Sleep well....

Dr. Rockoff

[sammy s.]

I was diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum and have three white bumps on the foreskin of my penis that were frozen by nitrogen about three weeks ago. The bluish-black scabs have fell off but the white bumps remain. Will i just have to wait until it goes away? Is it possible it will spread (I have noticed two more smaller bumps). I also have aquired herpes simplex on my lip and it has stayed there for a month. Is this normal even after using Valtrex. Is there any relationship between these recent symptons and possible HIV.