Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MC is usually clinical although a biopsy of the papules may be required if alternate diagnoses are being considered. A lesion smear using Giemsa staining can demonstrate the molluscum bodies. When multiple lesions are present, vulvar syringoma and condyloma acuminatum should be considered. Cutaneous Cryptococcus infection manifesting as a molluscum-like eruption has been reported in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).^[62]