How to differentiate Molluscum Contagiosum from Herpes Zoster

The differentiation between molluscum contagiosum and herpes zoster can be made from the following aspects: 1. Mode of transmission: Molluscum contagiosum is primarily transmitted through direct contact, such as skin contact or sharing personal items; while herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus entering the body through the skin, oral cavity, or other areas, remaining latent in the body until the immune system weakens, at which point it manifests clinically. 2. Etiology: Molluscum contagiosum is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, which can only enter the body through contact; herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can remain latent in the human body for long periods. 3. Clinical manifestations: The typical symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are scattered, multiple hemispherical papules with a waxy luster, centrally depressed resembling umbilication, from which a cheese-like molluscum body can be expressed; herpes zoster presents as clusters of small vesicles the size of grains of millet or rice, with clear fluid and often accompanied by pain, which may persist for a prolonged period.