Can MC recur after 30 years?

[perplexedint]

Dear Doctor,

Thirty years ago, when my partner at the time, came back from Hong Kong, I developed a rash on my glutes/side of upper thighs.  As I remember it, I did not have bumps or lesions, but an irritating rash that the doctors could not figure out.  I do not remember being diagnosed with MS at the time...but it is possible.

Recently, I am dealing with bloating regardless of what I eat, so I have been doing some cleansing (as I did in 2002), and both times I cleansed, I have felt similiar to when I had the rash 30 years ago.  Though the redness is not always there, the "feeling" is.

I emailed my ex-partner and asked if he remembered this incident 30 years ago, and he said yes that he was diagnosed with MS then.  

So last night I discovered a painful spot about an inch from my anus that is painful upon touch, and slightly annoying otherwise.  It looks like a picture I saw on the internet of MS.  Pinkish with a middle that looks like an open sore.  My question is could this be the same MS I acquired years ago.  It seems from what I read that when it goes away, it is considered cured?  If that is true, then I am perplexed by the "feeling" I have had of it when I have cleansed.  So, could this be the same MS or have I perhaps been exposed again by another means/partner?  

Thank you so much!

Perplexed

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your question is a bit hard to follow.  I presume from your description that by MC and MS you are speaking of molluscum contagiosum.  If so, what you are describing sounds more like folliculitis or some other benign skin rash than molluscum.  Folliculitis occurs when the pores in your skin get plugged.  This allows that normal bacteria that are present on just about every-one's skin to grow and cause what is essentially a pimple.  Some of these just appear as red bumps which may or may not be  tender while others go on to actually form pimples.  They can be tender and are common in the locations you describe and certainly can resemble molluscum.

I am not aware that molluscum recurs long after it has resolved and that once it has gone away, it stays away..

The best and most direct way to address this is to have a knowledgeable health care provider take a look.  I doubt that this is molluscum and if it is, doubt that it is a recurrence of an infection present 30 years ago

Hope this is helpful.  EWH

[perplexedint]

Thank you.  My apologies....I wrote my question too late at night...and did accidentally refer to MC as MS throughout my question.

Less perplexed!