Molluscum from tucking or wearing preloved clothes?

I'm a male in my 40s and have worn women's clothes most of my life either in private or occasionally in public.

Now, I'm worried I may not be able to dress for up to several years, because I suddenly noticed several bumps on my genitals and the doctor thinks they are molluscum contagiosum, a "harmless" skin virus that is mainly caught by direct skin contact but can be transmitted anywhere such as on door handles or yoga mats in public gyms.

At first, I thought the lumps were large hair follicles resulting from ingrown hairs because I shave my body so often, and unusually, shaving (before I knew they were likely molluscum) did not knock the tops off the spots. But I have since been advised that shaving is lethal in spreading the virus, so I'm dismayed that my hair has started to grow, making me feel disgusting and manly.

I'm wondering if I contracted molluscum by wearing preloved clothes bought on EBay and similar? But I always wash any underwear I buy, and I haven't worn panties for several months, only jeans and slacks, which are surely unlikely to spread molluscum?

My wife who knows about my dressing wonders if it's not molluscum after all, because the several spots have not spread to other parts of my body, and we wonder if maybe they are cysts or some other dermatological skin issue caused by me tucking when I go running, perhaps the constant friction, heat and damp causing problems?

Doctors can be slow, so I was keen to see if anyone on here has ever developed genital warts, molluscum, cysts or similar, and whether it stopped them crossdressing or they continued but were careful with towels, etcetera?

Thanks so much!

If clothing is properly washed, you will not get any of the conditions you described. Next, go see a board certified dermatologist or an urologist.

Not sure I would be running while tucking.
If you have to not shave that area to help your condition then thats what you need to do ie follow the Dr's advice.
Just because you cant shave doesn't mean you can't crossdress.

I struggle to tuck at all due to discomfort when walking, you must be a pro if you can do it while running!

Back on topic though, go see a dermatologist, no reason to be worried about going to see them. They can alleviate your concerns immediately.

Best option is to go see a dermatologist. They will know the best way to tackle the situation (freezing vs ointment, etc).

You had to get the original infection somehow, so that could have been preloved clothes. It could have been touching an infected handle and using the bathroom, you washed your hands so it didn't have time to infect your hands but was on your genitals (even more so if you retucked).

Running tucked wouldn't cause you to catch molluscum, but could make it hard to get rid of it since it the friction and such would pop the bumps and keep the infection going. My biggest issue when running is chafing so I couldn't imagine running tucked. So I stick with running untucked in a running skirt.

Just my two cents but I've been to the doctor multiple times for various skin cysts in various places and they always seem to come up with some weird diagnosis, which always requires expensive further testing oddly enough. They've always just been cysts that go away. Running in the heat all tucked up could result in skin damage and cysts I think.

Hi ReallyWorriedCD,

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I don't understand why having pubic hair makes you feel "manly", every single GG I have been with had pubic hair.

Where does this myth of GG's being completely hairless except for their head come from?

ReallyWorried ,
I'm going to suggest over shaving could be the problem , you really have to take care with skin especially on the testicles , the blood supply is easily damaged and then can become infected . I shave everyday but take far more care now I realise how sensitive the skin is , I also keep razors separate for my various areas .

It's very hard to pinpoint where the infection could come from , your own body could be the source as much as anyone or anything else .

That “harmless” molluscum is not harmless if it gets to your face and makes you a social pariah. I have seen this first hand with a colleague, it ruined her career. Be fastidious with your hand washing.

I went to the Mayo Clinic website to read up on Molluscum. It's a virus which can be contracted through shared clothing, towels, etc and skin to skin contact including sexual contact. As to the clothing it is always advisable to wash all undergarments before wearing, whether purchased new or previously worn. It's also possible to spread the virus from one area of the body to another by scratching. It is also considered a sexually transmitted virus. So, I'd be careful not spreading the virus to your wife. I'd also recommend not sharing towels.

Thank you all for your replies so far.

I don't usually join Internet forums so I apologize if I have done something wrong but I posted out of worry and knew I would not receive medical advise, but I was eager to know if any other CD have had cysts, warts or skin problems, maybe from tucking.

I agree with the last reply - Molluscum is not harmless and I am terrified about it spreading.

The ironic thing is, I suffer from OCD and have for 3+ years held myself with tissue when I go to the bathroom, so I'm angry and depressed that this is the exact region where I have caught molluscum.

About running tucked, I have always found this easy and comfortable. I wear firm control panties, with gym pants or shorts on top, as I like to feel and look feminine in shape. I honestly have never experienced discomfort, but I guess in the hot summer weather, plus bodily moisture, I could have cracked my dry skin and somehow caught molluscum, even though I'm always over-careful with hygiene anyway.

I prefer to shave, as I feel more feminine without hair on my chest, arms and legs, which most women are free from even if they do have genital hair. But I only shave twice each week, although not using a separate razor for different body areas, which is something I might start doing.

I feel so miserable looking down and seeing and feeling hair legs and a hair chest that I might shave these areas with a fresh new razor, but not shave my genital area until the molluscum or whatever goes away, which the doctor said could take five years! That's what an online dermatologist I emailed for advise told me too.

It's comforting to know you have just researched molluscum, @Stephanie47, and my wife and I have never shared towels, always maintained very good hygiene and so on, so we're devastated.

Going back to my previous comment based on my medical training. Go see a dermatologist or urologist in person.

I've been tucking every time I dress for over 20 years! Including some sports and dancing for hours in warn weather and conditions. With NO PROBLEMS!:battingeyelashes:

My vote's with Teresa. I think shaving down there COULD be the cause of your problem.:straightface:
And, see a dermatologists!:thumbsup:

Just the term "Preloved clothes" sounds too icky to consider.

Good luck. Talk about learning something the hard way...

I'm sure I'm not the only CD who buys clothes on EBay, Etsy and Poshmark :-)

First, you need to see a dermatologist for a conclusive diagnosis. Get a second opinion. Unless you are buying used underwear, it is unlikely you picked it up from outer clothing.

What you describe could be some form of cysts (especially if they are small, hard and painless without itching), there are a variety of types of cysts which are not uncommon. Or it could possibly be from shaving. Again, see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis, it is very important. If they are cysts the dermatologist can drain or remove them.

Also, you shouldn't run tucked like that, you skin needs to breathe especially when you are sweating and causing friction.

Hello ReallyWorried

Laura912 is right on the mark. Ask your primary care physician for a referral to a licensed dermatologist or urologist or both. These are specialist degrees that follow a medical degree for a general practitioner.

If this condition started after you held yourself with tissue, it might be a good idea to stop doing this. I realise this may be hard with OCD. If you aren't being treated for OCD, a referral to a licensed psychiatrist is an excellent plan.

Your issue is one of the reasons the sale of used underwear is prohibited by law in Canada and should be around the world if it isn't.