Viral infections of the pubis

There are no demographic data published on those with viral infections of the pubis (VIPs). We conducted a two-year prospective study to collect demographic information on patient with VIPs. Data were gathered on age, sex, diagnosis, low (<=10) or high (>10) lesion number, symptoms, how the patien discovered the lesions, localization, lesions beyond the pubis, risk factors, shaving habits, human papillomavirus vaccination status and treatment. In a total of 61 patients, molluscum contagiosum (MC) was indentified in 71 %, condylomata acuminata (CA) in 11 %, concomitant MC and CA infections in 11 % and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in 4.8 %. Shaving represented a risk factor for a high lesion number, but not for the extension beyond the pubis. MC, CA and HSV infections affecting the pubis are uncommon and often symptomatic. As they may represent a hidden source of infection we recommend thourough inspection of the pubis during routine skin examination.