Possible Molluscum Contagiosum

[R_Scott]

Good day, Dr. Rockoff. I'm a first year medical student in a Caribbean school and am having an outbreak of what I hope is molluscum contagiosum. The papules started appearing approximately two months ago and have multiplied from an initial 3-4 to about 12-14. They first appeared in a cluster at the upper right edge of my pubic hair. This cluster has spread somewhat diagonally toward my penis. Solitary papules have also appeared: one on the upper left edge of my pubic hair, one on the dorsum of the shaft of my penis, and one on the ventral aspect of the shaft. These last two appeared within the last week. I noticed another one today at the left base of the shaft.
The doctor I saw here told me to try applying a hydrocortisone/clotrimazole solution twice daily, which I have been doing for the past 5 days. I haven't noticed any improvement, although it's still early, but am concerned hydrocortisone could be preventing my immune system from dealing with it. I've also started taking immune-boosting vitamins. The doctor said it was definitely not an STD and I should not worry about transmitting it to a partner. He also does not believe it to be molluscum. Do you agree? Here are some pictures, sorry if they're blurry:
http://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0489or9.jpg
http://img138.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0495hc7.jpg
http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0496wd3.jpg
http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0480jp9.jpg
http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0493ts0.jpg

Thanks in advance for any advice you have

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Despite the amazing resolution of your photographs, I can't tell for sure.  Some of the spots do look like molluscum, but others clearly have hairs growing out of their center, which points to folliculitis rather than molluscum.  Hydrocortisone will not weaken your immune system, though I don't know that it will accomplish anything either.  Even if they are molluscum they aren't necessarily an STD, since some cases are contracted otherwise, so if you don't have a sexual partner with visible mollusca, I wouldn't worry about that.  If you can be seen by a dermatologist or STD specialist, that would probably give you the certainty you want, and effective treatment too, if needed.

Good luck in school.

Dr. Rockoff

[R_Scott]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I have had no other symptoms. The growths do not itch or burn or cause me any discomfort, and I have had no problems with urination or discharges.

Thanks again