Molluscum or Condyloma

[paranoidandroid]

Several weeks ago I went to my urologist to be examined for a hernia. He confirmed the hernia, but also noticed several small bumps on the left side of my penis, just below the head. They could not have been there long, because even though they were small, they were noticeable. He thought they were Molluscum but said they could also be Conyloma--a biopsy was not done. He prescribed Condylox and said it was to be used for three weeks. After the first week, I noted significant skin erosion and called the doctor's office, but the nurse said that was normal. The bumps were gone by the end of that cycle. During which time I suffered no more erosion, but it was still rather painful. Unfortunately, my hernia got worse and I was forced to go in for surgery and I was unable to start the third week. I haven't used the medicine in about three weeks and the bumps are beginning to return. I spoke with a nurse once again. She spoke with the doctor and informed me I should restart the Condylox and use it for two more weeks.



  Basically, I'm wondering if scaring from the medicine is normal? Will the skin return to normal, or am I essentially maimed? I started using the Condylox again today, but I'm concerned that it's going to cause irreversible damage to my penis. I’m trying to decide whether I should continue with the treatment or just let the bumps/warts resolve themselves on their own. While their presence disgusts me, I really don’t want to disfigure myself to get rid of them.



  Additionally, I’m trying to figure out how I acquired these things. I’ve read that it could take months, or even years, for them to form, but how likely is that? I haven’t had an unprotected sexual encounter in nearly 12-months. Most information I’ve read says peoples’ immune systems typically eliminate the virus in six months to two years, but some people don’t experience symptoms for years. With that in mind, is there any hope of eradicating them entirely or will I be subject to recurrences for the rest of my life? Thanks for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

From your description, I'm not at all sure that what you have is either molluscum or condyloma.  I think you need to see a skin doctor for examination and perhaps testing, so you don't end up attacking harmless bumps that aren't even abnormal.  As to the erosions you got from Condylox, these are superficial and temporary.  You will not be scarred.



Take care.



Dr. Rockoff

[paranoidandroid]

Also, one other thing. After my hernia surgery there was a large bruise on my penis that has since scabbed over. Is this normal?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Bruises don't scab unless you scratch them.  Please ask your surgeon.  Thanks.  Dr. Rockoff

[paranoidandroid]

I assume that my penis was clamped or something during surgery to keep it from flopping around. I guess maybe that caused abrasions? I really have no idea, but being the paranoid individual I am, my mind is formulating all sorts of answers. I know I noticed a bruise   while getting dressed following the surgery. The bruised area and skin around it has gotten sort of crusty/scabbish. I guess I really need to see a dermatologist.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yup.



Dr. Rockoff

[paranoidandroid]

Alright, I'm going to a dermatologist tomorrow. I'll post the results in case anyone is interested--though I don't suppose others are too concerned about the status of my penis.

[paranoidandroid]

Dermatologist said that whatever it was seems to be destroyed. She said the skin looked pretty eaten up from the medicine and that there may, indeed, be permanent scaring. In an effort to prevent scaring, she prescribed Desonide lotion .05%.



As for the scabing that followed my surgery, she didn't know why that happened but said it didn't seem like anything to worry about.  Anyway, if anyone is still reading this thread: cross your fingers for me in hopes that I don't remain permanently maimed from the Condylox.