What are my chances of HIV if I have just been diagnosed with molluscum contagiosum?

[jimab]

Hello - I am a 48 yr old female that had a very small lesion removed from under my eye and I was just called yesterday to tell me the diagnosis (molluscum contagiosum) and the doctor recommended an HIV test. Was he right to? I am Extremely upset, nervous, sick with worry and basically cannot calm down. My husband and I had unprotected sex with three other couples three plus years ago (they were all in their 40s, married professionals living in the suburbs.) I do have bowel problems on occassion but I was disgnosed with IBS years ago and basically no other symptoms except hot flashes but thats pretty much expected at almost 50. I have been reading that you can get the virus from public pools, jacuzzis, massage therapists, facials, kids, people's towels and thru sexual contact. We have been exposed to all these things.  We both had an HIV test yesterday but now have to wait 8-10 days for the results. I was considering going to a quick clinic today because I am litterally freaking out. Please give me some news or statistics that I can hang my hat on. Thanks so much

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't order HIV tests on the many people, adults or children, who come to me with molluscum.  Even HIV patients who get lots of mollusca only get it when their immune system is shot, and we never see that anymore, ow that HIV patients are better controlled.  But 1 molluscum in otherwise healthy 48 year old?

As long as the test has been ordered, get it done, for your own peace of mind.  It will be negative.

Relax.

Dr. Rockoff

[peaceout1980]

I have to disagree with Dr.Rockoff .... I have a friend with a similar situation Her Dr had the same thing to say as DR. Rockoff. Not to say that he is wrong he may very well be right. Howerever, she was screened for HIV/AIDS just as a regular check up and she came back testing positive. The first DR. was wise to send you for a test if you positive then it can be treated sooner, rather than later! Everyone worries about getting that test done - Don't be in the end at least you will know for sure! as for the good Dr. saying that "it will be negative" that is irresponsible of him and words like that lead to serious misconceptions of your own health. At lease he is still sugesting you get it done

[jimab]

Dr Rockoff, - I want to thank you very much for your reply. I feel alot better knowing that the chances are slim that I will test positive. There is so little on adult facial MC out there.  I will get the test back next week but in the mean time, I hope to rest a little easier based on your comments.

peaceout1980 - I am  interested in hearing if your friend was very sexually active, a iv drug user or any other high risk person. I thank you for your opinion and I know that it can't hurt to get the test done and know for sure (except emotionally) and the dr who told me I should do it was just trying to cover all bases.. but wow.. it sure does a job on my nerves.

[jimab]

Dr. Rockoff - My doctor just called this morning and said that my HIV test was negative. It is so great to know for sure that this was not HIV but what a wake up call. I thought that I would have to wait until next week to find out and I truly have been in a stupor for three days. I am aware that the dermatologist was doing what he thought was right but I do think that he could have explained that my chances were very very slight. He said 1 in a 100 that I had HIV.. I can't believe that is right. Is it Dr Rockoff? Should I get another dermatologist? Are you taking new patients? I am not far from you. Also, how do I rid myself of the molluscum????  And, my husband has a few bumps on his penis but they don't have an inverted center. Do you think they are mulluscum? Do I treat molluscum on my face differently that on private parts? Would I ever be able to find out if I got this from swimming at the Y or is it really an std??? Your help is very much appreciated as I truly value your opinion.  jimab