Molluscum Contagiousum - treatment

[albedo1]

I had 2 small (one is about 2mm the other about 1mm) pinkish bumps on my penis skin for several months (I guess more that 6 months). When magnifying, you can see some whitish matter inside the bump. Suspecting about MCV (molluscum contagiousum virus) I waited to see if they disappear and finally went to my derm. Without any hesitation, we was immediate in diagnosing MCV. He gave me a solution of potassium hydroxyde (KOH, 1mL solution with 50mg of KOH, to use it very parsimoniously as very irritating, 2x/day on the MCV).

I did not start yet and decided to read a bit before and check your experience:

• I frequent saunas, gyms and had different sex partners but always had safe sex and very cautious and clean, yet ..
• How can my derm be so sure and exclude more serious things as HPV?
• IMPORTANT: how I can minimize the chances to spread it when starting with the KOH. DO I NEED TO ALWAYS COVER IT WITH A SMALL BAND-AID after appliance?
• Can I continue to have safe sex (condom) with my partner?

Thank you!

[albedo1]

It is gone.

Lesson learned: start treatment soon as I waited too long and eventually got a secondary self infection (another bump) near by (inner upper leg). Takes time: from beginning to end was about 4-5 weeks. It can look bad when treated with KOH but at the end a small crust forms which then leaves naturally. Be healthy and clean!

[albedo1]

Thank you. I consulted again with my derm for something else and re-asked about MCV. First, I asked how she could be so positive that is MCV and not HPV as I read about the small indent which the MCV blister should have at its center which I cannot see in my case. She said that is the case when the blister is large. Second, she has no problem I did not start yet with the KOH to remove it as I am traveling a lot and wish to be quite at home for the operation. Finally, she also suggested, when dried after the application of KOH, that I cover the zone with a small band-aid to avoid further infection. I am reinsured and hope this helps others.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the picture it looks like molluscum contagiosum. In adults, molluscum infections are often sexually transmitted and can transmit from one site to other skin sites by aoutoinocultaion. Treatment includes physical destruction or manual extrusion of the lesions, cryotherapy, and curettage.
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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.