A healthcare provider will review your medical history and do a physical examination, focusing on any patches or plaques (thickened areas) on your skin. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and review your health history, including any prior or current health conditions. Tests used to diagnose the condition Your healthcare provider will need to run tests to confirm a cutaneous T-cell …
Cryoglobulinemia
Diagnosis Diagnosis of cryoglobulinemia is confirmed through a blood test. The blood sample is kept at body temperature, around 98.6°F (37°C), before being cooled and tested. Proper handling of the sample is essential to ensure accurate results. Additional blood and urine tests may also be done to identify the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment Treatment depends on the severity …
Croup
Diagnosis Croup is typically diagnosed by a healthcare provider through a physical examination. The provider: Observes the child’s breathing patterns Listens to the chest with a stethoscope Examines the throat for signs of swelling or infection In some cases, X-rays or additional tests may be used to rule out other possible conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Treatment Most children …
Crohn’s Disease
Diagnosis A healthcare professional will likely diagnose Crohn’s disease only after ruling out other possible causes for symptoms. There is no single test to diagnose Crohn’s disease. A combination of tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, including: Lab tests Blood tests can check for signs of infection or anemia, a condition in which there …
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Diagnosis Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year old, usually during sleep. There is no single test to diagnose SIDS. Diagnosis is made after a thorough investigation that rules out other possible causes of death. Investigations typically include: Review of the infant’s medical history and prenatal history. Examination of the …
Craniopharyngioma
Diagnosis Diagnosing a craniopharyngioma usually begins with a review of medical history and symptoms. Several tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis and understand the tumor’s effect on the brain. Neurological exam: This includes testing vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and growth and development. These results can show which area of the brain may be affected by the tumor. …
Menstrual Cramps
Diagnosis Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, your provider checks for anything unusual with the reproductive organs and looks for signs of infection. Additional tests may include: Ultrasound. Uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Other imaging tests. …
Muscle Cramp
Diagnosis Muscle cramps are usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. A healthcare provider may ask when the cramps occur, how long they last, which muscles are affected, and whether they happen during activity, rest, or sleep. In most cases, no special testing is needed. However, if muscle cramps are frequent, severe, or unexplained, further evaluation may …
Cradle Cap
Diagnosis A healthcare professional can usually diagnose cradle cap simply by examining your baby’s scalp. The condition has a characteristic appearance that makes additional testing unnecessary. Treatment Cradle cap often clears up on its own with gentle home care. However, if it doesn’t improve, your baby’s doctor may recommend: A low-potency hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation A shampoo containing 2% …
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Diagnosis A pubic lice infestation is typically confirmed through a visual examination of the pubic area. Seeing live, moving lice is the clearest sign of an active infestation. Lice eggs, called nits, may also be present on the hair shafts. Nits can stay attached to the hair even after treatment, so their presence does not always mean the infestation is …









