[Question #8261] Molluscum Contagiosum

46 months ago

Hello Drs

Over the summer I seem to have contracted MC, noticed a bump at the very base of my penis (an area not covered by the condom unfort). Went to see a derma and he called it. This was mid August.

Proceeded to freeze it, however 2 weeks later I noticed it hadn't gone. Went to see another derma who preferred curettage, basically burned it with what felt like an electric current and scraped it off. Also noticed a few more in the area so we took care of those as well. I also did blood work for infectious diseases and all came back neg.

I have read advice on here re shaving and I have refrained from doing so. But I do trim with an electric shaver.

I am however finding myself fixated on this issue and it's driving me nuts. I seem to be returning to the derma weekly for more therapy whenever I see a new lesion mainly around base and scrotum. Derma has me on Zinc supplements as well which she mentioned should help.

I recently met someone and would like to start a relationship. We have not been intimate yet.

I read that the immune system can take 6 months to a year to clear MC maybe longer.

(1) When does the "outbreak" end? How does MC usually progress, do outbreaks occur throughout this period spontaneously and i will need many sessions?

(2) must I refrain from protected sex for 6 months to a year?

(3) would be grateful for some guidance on what would be the best way forward for me please.

Did not expect that protected intercourse could pose such a nuisance.

Thanks Drs as always.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

46 months ago

Welcome to our forum and thanks for your question. As I suspect you know molluscum contagiosum is a relatively common viral infection transmitted through direct contact and possibly through contact through the shared towels or other indirect methods. The infection is quite common among children including those involved in contact athletic sports. In adults it is often sexually transmitted although not all acquisitions of infection are proven to be sexually acquired. Activities such as scratching can spread the infection is Ken shaving or other areas. I would anticipate that even your trimming activities may promote spread of infection. In response to your specific questions:

1. The infection is a nuisance. Active treatment as you are doing and covering lesions are the standard recommendations for management. Management is more challenging for persons who have other chronic skin conditions which may promote spread of infection or who have compromised immune system’s due to therapy for other conditions. You are currently under the care of a dermatologist who likely has far more experience in addressing the sorts of questions you were asking than I. I would encourage you to discuss your questions with him/her. In the interim, I would do everything you could to avoid scratching or otherwise traumatizing lesions as these are likely to spread them. What’s present, if untreated, Molluscum contagiosum can take as long as several years to resolve spontaneously. In the interim, risk for transmission remains, There are no meaningful complications that I’ve been described.

2. There certainly is risk for transmission through direct contact. My own advice regarding this is to continue to use condoms and to discuss the fact that you are under treatment for molluscum by a dermatologist with any current or future partners. I would reassure them that their risk for infection is modest and that the infection, while a nuisance, is not otherwise a hazard to one’s health.

I’m sorry I do not have more information. As mentioned above, presuming your relationship with your dermatologist is a good one, I would encourage you to discuss these issues with him/her and Two see them regularly. EWH

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