A spot popped up on my stomach. Does it look like molluscum?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was diagnosed with molluscum four years back. I had it frozen biweekly three years ago. I used Aldara at that time, and after that only had one questionable spot. I was checked out by multiple doctors both dermatologists and gynecologists to give me the all clear, but this spot popped up on my stomach two nights ago and it is freaking me out. It is just below my belly button and intensely itchy, which my previous lesions were not, but just looking for some reassurance that this is not molluscum again.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Looking at your clinical picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and considering the onset of the lesion, and itching, it does not look like molluscum contagiosum. Most of the time, molluscum is asymptomatic, presents with a white solid bump with a central depression (umbilication). It is most probably an insect bite reaction. Topical Calamine lotion should give you relief from itching.

The other possibility is scabies or ectoparasitic infestation. In scabies, there will be itchy bumps seen around the belly button, on the finger web spaces, wrist, armpits, groin, etc. Check for these sites if you have any red bumps. Check your pet animals if you have any, for mites and fleas.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, excessive sweating can cause folliculitis. There will be mild discomfort at the site of the lesion. But, intense itching is less likely in case of folliculitis. Also, in the picture I do not see a follicular origin of bumps. Acute onset and intense itching, random papules (bumps) make me still consider insect bite as the most probable cause. No similar lesions on the wrist, finger spaces, and no pets excludes scabies.