HSV2 or molluscum c.

Hi Dr.

I had an encounter a few weeks back where there was some genital rubbing (no condom) but actual penetration WITH a condom. I do not know the status of the person in terms of hsv2. However I do know that 'in the past' she has had molluscum C. She said it was gone. A few day later I noticed some red rash and dots in the area above my penis and lower abdomen. I only noticed this because of showering. They were absolutely not itchy, no discomfort and no pain whatsoever - just a rash with a very, very small dot kind of in the center. If I scratched it with my nail it would bleed a tiny bit and fall off. Again no pain whatsoever. I have had a few molluscum c's in the past myself on my inner thigh and it kind of look the same. However this time there were more of them - maybe 8-10. There was nothing on my penis or scrotum.
Here about a week later it looks a little better - still some red marks - not raised just some red marks. I'm concerned that this might be hsv2 however in reading your book I'm a little bit confused as it says something about that 95% of the people who have a first time 'break out' experience some pain and discomfort. I have not experienced ANY of that but I'm concerned that it still could be hsv2. What are you thoughts on this? I should add that my last hsv 2 igg test a few months ago was negative. I do know that I have hsv1 but I never had a cold sore. Lastly I will get tested again but I'm very curious about your thoughts here. Thank you in advance.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I've answered this one twice - not sure where the answers are going!

It appears that you are describing skin lesions that are raised above the surface that can be scratched off or removed with a pumice stone, am I reading this correctly?

Herpes is not something that is raised above the skin surface and can be scratched off or removed as you describe here.  They don't look like genital warts or molluscum.  

Am I understanding your description correctly?

Terri

[congo74]

I should add that they seem very similar to a genital wart (i have had a few of them in the past). I have used a pumice stone to rub it off and then used a product that contains tea tree oil. Now there is just a little bit of red marks left. Thanks again in advance for your reply.

[congo74]

Good morning Terri
Please comment on my post when you have a moment. Thank you so much!

[congo74]

Very strange with your answers not showing up?!? :)
Yes tiny bit raised dots with some red marks around them.
Now, 10 days post I only have tiny red marks left - you have to look very closely to see them. I never had any itching, pain, tingling or anything like that. I have seen hsv1 on a friend's mouth and what i have didn't look anything like that.
BUT then again in reading your book I understand that hsv2 can present itself in many shapes and forms.

Thank you for you excellent service !

[congo74]

I have been doing some more thinking and I was wondering if it could be both - hsv2 and Mollus C OB exactly at the same time? Again it was small raised dots with red skin (looked irritated) around them.
Sorry I'm just starting to obsess about it - on one hand I'm going I can't be hsv2 again because there was no tingling, pain, itching. And also because we didnt really have any intercourse. On the other hand I'm thinking that it might be. I'm sure you see this all the time - Thanks again...
Appreciate your thoughts.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Have you looked to see if there are hairs coming out of the red dots?  It is possible when people just have genital rubbing that they can have a folliculitis.  

Again, herpes does not appear as a solid raised bump in the skin.

At this point, I think I've given you all the thoughts I have about this situation.  Wish I could be of more help!

Terri

[congo74]

Thanks Terri - The dots or tiny bumps are gone now and only lightly reddish, discolored patches are left when you look very close. It is tough for me to say if there were hair coming out of them. They were in my pubic hair area above penis and lower abdomen. However I do remember that the texture of them was kind of like a wart (again very tiny) when I touched/scratched them with a nail.
What is frustration to me is that I can't remember if I scratched all of them off with the pumice stone or if some of them disappeared on their own (hsv2!!!) :-(
Anyway, thank you. I appreciate the thoughts and comments you have provided. In the end I know you can't give me what I really need - a 'guaranteed' that this isn't hsv2....  :-(
I seriously feel that this is the end of my sex life. It is so frustrating that condoms which I used for the actual intercourse can't prevent this!
The Sad One.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

It is only the end of your sex life if you decide that is so.  

In summary, I would recommend that 4 months from your last sexual encounter, you get a herpes antibody test.  If it is negative, move on.

Terri

[congo74]

Thanks Terri - I truly appreciate your advice and guidance.

Am I allowed to ask more questions here in this thread?
Mentally, I'm preparing myself for a positive test result. I just can't explain the rash I had in any other way. I did do a hsv2 igg test at Labcorp after approx. 2 1/2 weeks. It came back < 0.91 negative. I know this is pretty much worthless aside from giving me a base line.
Anyway like I said I'm getting ready to face and deal with a positive result and I have some questions...

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

When you have results, feel free to post.  Until then I won't be answering any more questions.
Terri