What could be the cause of red itchy bumps on thighs and lips?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have itchy red bumps on my thighs and labia and some of which have whiteheads. I was not sure what it was. It seems to get worse when I am stressed and I am irritated with certain fabrics. Also, I have tested for herpes, but it came negative as it is too early to test. I am attaching my photo.

Please explain me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and examined your picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

It seems that you are having molluscum contagiosum and a few of them are secondarily infected. Molluscum contagiosum virus will cause multiple or single raised skin lesion. The papules are umbilicated and contain a caseous plug. This virus may sometimes get inoculated along the small skin injury, such as from shaving which is known as autoinoculation. This virus gets transmitted through direct skin contact, through swimming pool or it could be transmitted sexually (STD).

I suggest you do the following tests:

1. Skin biopsy.

2. HbsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), anti-HCV (anti-hepatitis C virus), and HIV to rule out sexually transmitted diseases.

Generally, it is self-limited and heals spontaneously after several months. Curettage or enucleation is a more effective treatment. I suggest you take the tablet Azithromycin (antibiotic) 500 mg once daily for three days and the topical Mupirocin ointment local application twice daily for five days. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss the matter with him or her, and take the medicine with their consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Secondary infection means if you have one kind of lesion that gets traumatized by scratching. It leads to infection in our body commensalism or by certain bacteria like staphylococcus aureus or other bacteria leading to pus formation in a few traumatized lesions.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since it is a viral illness, there is no role of antibiotics. Antibiotics act against bacteria and not on a virus. In your case, as you have few secondary infected lesions, you will require antibiotics. Since molluscum is caused by a virus that can be passed on by skin contact or from contaminated towels, flannels and soft toys. It is not serious and usually clears within 12 to18 months without any treatment. You should not touch the lesions till you get cured to prevent further transmission to other areas of the body.

Hope it helps.

Thank you.

Answer 4

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, avoid sex for at least two to three months till your lesions get completely cured. Otherwise, your partner will also develop these kind of eruptions.

Thank you.