Section : Dermatology in Infectious Diseases

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


Category : tuberculose - Modifie le 08.9.2010Category : tuberculosis - Modifie le 08.9.2010