Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Be Contracted?
Question: I was diagnosed with Molloscum a few days ago. I am a 49 year old male. I am in a relationship for 10 months and have been monogamous during that time. About a 2 weeks ago I had what I thought was a rash on my chest or clogged follicles. The bumps were from my armpit to my sternum on up on my shoulder. Maybe 5-8 bumps. I scratched and most of them became scabbed over. My dermatologist diagnosed me with Molloscum and examined the rest of my body. He found 2 pinhead sized molloscum on my pubic are which he froze. The dermatologist could not tell me anything about how this was contracted. I was at a spa for a weekend and had treatments including body scrubs, massage, hot tubs, steam room etc. Upon diagnosis I told my girlfriend and she told me she has not noticed anything and has been faithful. She was examined by her doctor and shows no signs. How is this spread and could have I gotten this on my chest and then infected by groin by scratching?
I didn't specify, but my time at the spa was about 2-3 weeks before my symptoms on my chest showed up
I didn't specify, but my time at the spa was about 2-3 weeks before my symptoms on my chest showed up
Brief Answer:
Regarding molluscum
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Molluscum contagiosum virus spreads through skin to skin contact, including sexual contact and through sharing clothes, towels, bathing sponges etc.
The virus can subsequently spread to other parts of the body through hands and indirectly through towel, clothes etc.
So, it is possible that you auto-inoculated the virus to the pubic region.
However, it is also possible that you first had a pubic infection from an earlier sexual contact and then auto-inoculated the virus to your chest.
Since molluscum can have a long incubation period, therefore it can manifest months after infection.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist
Regarding molluscum
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Molluscum contagiosum virus spreads through skin to skin contact, including sexual contact and through sharing clothes, towels, bathing sponges etc.
The virus can subsequently spread to other parts of the body through hands and indirectly through towel, clothes etc.
So, it is possible that you auto-inoculated the virus to the pubic region.
However, it is also possible that you first had a pubic infection from an earlier sexual contact and then auto-inoculated the virus to your chest.
Since molluscum can have a long incubation period, therefore it can manifest months after infection.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
