How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
The diagnosis of molluscum is based simply on the skin appearance. Most pediatricians and family physicians diagnose this condition during an in-office skin exam. A few other medical conditions may look just like molluscum and need to be examined more closely by a dermatologist. A dermatologist may therefore be consulted for atypical cases of molluscum. While typical cases do not require special tests, cases that are more difficult may warrant a relatively painless in-office skin scraping by a dermatologist using a microscope, glass slide, and potassium hydroxide to rapidly detect the small poxvirus particles. Rarely, a small skin biopsy may be used to help the doctor confirm the diagnosis. Other times, a skin bacterial culture may be taken by a cotton-tip applicator to assist in detecting a secondary bacterial skin infection, such as Staphylococcus. How is molluscum contagiosum treated? There are many good treatment options for treating molluscum. Some physicians may also suggest not
