Not Sure About Diagnosis

Hello,
Thanks for this forum. Here is my short history - about 2 months ago, I noticed a couple of whiteheads in the upper portion of my pubic area - that had never happened to me before. I popped them and I expected pus to come out, but instead, the white portion of the "pimple" was hardened and came out nearly whole. I then left it alone until I noticed over the last few weeks several more popping up on the base of my penis and others in the pubic area. Most are very small - a couple millimeters at most, some almost difficult to make out. I should note that when I did pop them, they bled more than I expected for a small "pimple". Anyhow, they hadn't gone away, so a few days ago I went to see the primary care doc. After much internet research, my best guess was molluscum contagiosum, though it didn't quite look like all the pictures, but it did look like some. When I saw the doc, I told him that I thought it might be molluscum. He took a look, wasn't quite sure, but said they could be molluscum and that they likely were, but mentioned at one point that they could be warts... He froze off what he could see, and mentioned that he could see umbilications in many of them. He didn't leave me confident of what it is, so I wonder what your take on this is. I'm hoping that it's just molluscum and not warts - based on the hardened white core, and location (base of penis, pubic area and lower abdomen) is it likely that it is in fact molluscum?? I should note also that the bumps are completely painless and do not itch, they are simply unsightly. Thanks! See attached photo of close up of my lower abdomen.

[Guy189]

Also, I've heard australian lemon myrtle or tea tree oil works great to clear it up. What do you think?

[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.