Pattern of Cutaneous Tuberculosis in North India

Abstract

Data on 66 patients with cutaneous tuberculosis seen over a period of 4 years was analysed. Males -predominated (71.6%) over females (28.4%). More than one f' patients were below the age of 10 years. Lupus vulgaris was the commonest type of disease pattern seen in 81.8% followed by scrofuloderma in 21.2%. Warty tuberculosis was the least common of all. Tuberculids seen were erythema nodosum in 3, papulonecrotic in 2, and lichen scrofulosorum in one. Face was involved most often (34.8%) followed by legs, buttocks, arms and neck. The number of legions varied from 2-7 in a quarter of patients. Organs other than skin were involved in 25.8% patients. Pulmonary involvement was the commonest followed by bone. CNS and lymph node involvement. , Almost half the patients were unvaccinated as were the BCG vaccinated patients. Mantoux test was negative in 27.2% patients. Characteristic tubercular histopathology was seen in 81.8% and in the rest it was non-specific.