Hello,
I apologize beforehand for the length.
About 35 - 40 days ago, I discovered two pink-reddish bumps approx. 2-3 mm in diameter hidden in my pubic hair just above the shaft of my penis. I have had minor problems with jock itch/folliculitis once in the past, and already had a prescription for Bactroban, although these painless, itchless, raised bumps were not centered on hair follicules. I thought little of these bumps, and continued to have sex with my girlfriend (with whom I've been with for approx four months). Occasionally, after vigorous sex, these bumps would turn slightly more red and itchy, although they never seemed to grow or change shape. I've been maintaining a long-distance relationship for the past 30 days, and have had no other sexual contact. About 21 days ago, I noticed that smaller, non-raised red-spots as well as a smaller number of raised flesh bumps began to appear higher in my pubic region, still underneath my pubic hair. These were accompanied by an infrequent, mild itch. I then started using the Bactroban, thinking it was a mild folliculitis. The Bactorban eased the itching slightly, but had little other affect.
I've now been to two general practitioners. The first concluded it was folliculitis without a particularly close examination. She prescribed Keflex, which I intentionally did not take. The next day, I went to another general practitioner, more experienced with men's health. After a close examination with a magnifying glass and a long period scratching his head with a slightly dumbfounded expression, he concluded that it was molluscum. He then proceeded to burn off the most noticeable bumps with liquid N2. This was 7 days ago. This same day, I stopped using the Bactroban. He also gave me a prescription for Aldara cream.
Since the second doctor burned out my "molluscum," I have had an almost immediate spread of red spots (not attributable to the burning, as well as increased itching (expected). I commenced using the Bactroban three days ago, and have since noticed a slight decrease in itching as well as a slightly limiting affect on the redness of the new outbreaks.
Here are my questions/concerns:
1) About 30% of these red spots/bumps are centered on hair follicles, and the remaining 70% are not.
2) These bumps are not large, and I could/can discern no dimple/umbilication at the center of the bumps, making me question the diagnosis of molluscum (I also don't have a magnifying glass).
If it's not molluscum, then perhaps I have a form of folliculitis. Why then, are the majority of the papules not centered on visible hair follicles? Are there other possible explanations? Can I have "folliculitis" without the majority of the bumps being centered on follicles?
My main concern is that said girlfriend is arriving this weekend, and I don't want to expose her to anything transmittable (note, she's already been exposed to the two original bumps). Should I abstain?
Thanks.