Tuberculosis and the Skin (For professionals)

• Tuberculosis is an infection caused by a Mycobacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.
• It is a condition favoured by high population density, promiscuity (poverty, intravenous drug abusers, HIV) and the use of immunosuppressants (biologics, ciclosporine…). It is frequent in Sub-Saharan Africa, but new cases are a cause of concern, notably in China, Russia, South-East Asia and some countries in Africa which account for 80% of new cases.
• Although there are skin manifestations, it is a systemic disease which can have dire consequences on the lungs and other organs (especially in its miliary form).
• Treatment consists of a combination of antituberculous drugs, which must be continued for several months.
• Vaccination (Immunization) is also available: BCG vaccine (Bacille-Calmette-Guérin)

Skin manifestations are:

• Exogenous tuberculosis

1. Primary inoculation tuberculosis
2. Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis

• Endogenous Tuberculosis

1. Scrofuloderma
2. Orificial tuberculosis (Tuberculosis Cutis Orificialis)

• Hematogenous/lymphatic tuberculosis

1. Lupus Vulgaris
2. Acute Miliary tuberculosis

• Tuberculid (Mycobacterium absent from lesion)

1. Erythema Induratum of Bazin
2. Lichen Scrofulosorum
3. Papulonecrotic Tuberculid

Bibliography

Dermatology Secrets 3rd Edition

Wikipedia