molluscum secondary infection?

[futuredrm]

Hi,

I have had a few molluscum bumps for the past year in various places. Recently, one bump on the left side of my stomach dried up and I squeezed out the inner core. The area surrounding the squeezed out bump was starting to get crusty, and the stuff that I squeezed out was not "waxy" like other bumps; this one seemed much more dry. After squeezing it out, I forgot to put alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on it. The bump has not healed well and is now crusty and gray with a darker inner core. It is swollen and painful to the touch. There are red, swollen lines that extend horizontally outward from the gray bump. Is this the sign of a staph infection? Should I drain it and put antibacterial ointment on it? Or is this a normal side effect to a popped molluscum bump?

Thank you so much for your help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is good if this bump that you are having is improving. Although it still looks like bacterial infection because of the pain involved. Just keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics like Dettol. Then apply some Neosporin cream on the bump. If the symptoms persist, as I told you earlier then oral antibiotics are needed.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[futuredrm]

Sorry, I accidentally sent the last message.

I have applied alcohol to the bump, and the swelling and pain have become reduced. I keep a bandaid over it and apply alcohol hand sanitizer to it during the day. (I think the horizontal swelling was due to dry skin and my pants rubbing against it, so I don't think it was a result of the bump anymore.) The bump itself has turned into a scab surrounded by red skin that seems to be thinner and more wrinkly than normal...almost like how skin looks right after a burn (if that makes sense). Dermatologist appointments are made weeks in advance in my area, and I think my bump will heal before a scheduled appointment. I am just waiting for the scab to fall off now. I have had staph infections in the past, and those just got worse over time if I didn't see a doctor. This bump, however, is improving. Does this mean that it will improve on its own and that it is probably not staph?

Thank you so much!

[futuredrm]

Dr. Kaur,
Thank you so much for the response. I have applied alcohol to the bump

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like secondary bacterial infection maybe staph but we cannot confirm without culture. Please consult a dermatologist and get a culture sensitivity of the pus swab done. Also keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as Neosporin can also be used. For specific oral antibiotics, you are requested to consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.