Cutaneous Tuberculosis Manifestations Explained
Tuberculosis (TB) can present with various skin findings. Understanding these key manifestations is important for diagnosis.
Primary Cutaneous TB Signs
- Lupus vulgaris: This is a common and specific form of cutaneous TB, often appearing as reddish-brown plaques or nodules, typically on the face or neck. It represents direct inoculation or hematogenous spread of the TB bacteria to the skin.
Associated Skin Reactions in TB
- Erythema nodosum: Characterized by tender, red lumps, usually on the shins. While it can have many causes, erythema nodosum is a recognized reactive manifestation associated with underlying tuberculosis, particularly in certain populations.
Analysis of Other Options
- Erythema marginatum is typically associated with rheumatic fever.
- Phyctenular conjunctivitis is an eye condition linked to TB, not a skin manifestation. Erythema multiforme has diverse causes.
- Pyoderma gangrenosum is an ulcerative condition not primarily linked to TB. Dactylitis (inflammation of digits) can occur in TB bone disease but is less commonly cited as a direct cutaneous manifestation compared to lupus vulgaris.
Therefore, erythema nodosum and lupus vulgaris are significant cutaneous manifestations associated with tuberculosis.
Important Questions from Tuberculosis
Which of the following investigations may be used for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis?
1. Nucleic acid amplification
2. Culture in Middlebrook medium
3. Light emitting diode fluorescent microscopy with auramine staining
4. Peripheral blood smear
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Recommended first time drug for initial treatment of tuberculosis include all EXCEPT:
The most frequent adverse reaction of significance among people treated for drug-susceptible tuberculosis is:
All adult patients in whom anti-tubercular treatment is being started should undergo baseline assessment of:
- The extrapulmonary sites most commonly involved in tuberculosis are all EXCEPT:
