Tuberculosis is a worldwide infectious disease caused by mycobacteria, Koch chopsticks. The most known is the pulmonary form of the disease, but tuberculosis can also affect bones and skin.
Tuberculosis of the skin develops when microbacteria enter the skin. There are four types of microbacteria: human, bovine, avian and cold-blooded. When skin tuberculosis is most often observed human, sometimes - a bullish type of pathogen.
Types and symptoms of skin tuberculosis
Tuberculosis lesions have numerous types, which differ in the form of infection, the course of the disease and the way skin tuberculosis looks. The whole group of diseases is divided into localized (focal) and disseminated (spread) skin tuberculosis.
The focal forms of the disease include:
- Vulgar (vulgar) lupus is the most common form of the disease. Most often occurs at an early age, and rashes are localized on the face. In severe cases, it affects the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose. Tubercular tubercles (lupomas) are located deep under the skin and at the initial stage have the form of yellowish-pink spots with clearly delineated boundaries. With the development of the disease, the tubercles become more noticeable, but usually remain flat and slightly protrude above the skin.
- Scrofuloderma (colliquative skin tuberculosis) is the second most frequent form of manifestation. Signs of this form of skin tuberculosis are rashes in the form of deep-lying, malabile nodules 3-5 cm in diameter, the skin over which acquires a bluish tinge. Over time, the nodules develop into a cold abscess, on the site of which, after opening, an ulcer remains. Scrofuloderm is formed most often when infection is infiltrated from the affected lymph nodes, less often from other tissues. Localized in the neck and, sometimes, the limbs.
- Ulcerative skin tuberculosis - usually occurs when infection comes from other affected organs and tissues. It appears as bleeding ulcers with an uneven surface covered with yellowish nodules. Localized in the mucous membranes and surrounding tissues (mouth, genital organs).
- Warty tuberculosis of the skin - manifests itself in the form of cyanotic-red infiltrates with subsequent warty growth. Infection occurs from external sources and is often associated with the profession (risk groups include veterinarians, slaughter workers, pathologists). Usually occurs on the fingers and the back of the hand.
Among the disseminated forms distinguish:
- Papulonecrotic skin tuberculosis - usually occurs at a young age. It appears in the form of cyanotic-red seals with necrotic scabs in the center. Eruptions are located symmetrically, most often - on the buttocks and extremities. After the fall of the scab, in its place remain characteristic "stamped" scars.
- Lichenoid tuberculosis of the skin (he also deprives scrofula) - on external manifestations is similar to the symptoms of ordinary red lichen. Most often affects the skin of the trunk, less often - limbs and face.
Diagnosis of skin tuberculosis
Like any form of this disease, skin tuberculosis is most often diagnosed on the basis of special tuberculin samples. Also, the basis for this diagnosis can serve as evidence from an anamnesis (previously transmitted by any form of tuberculosis) and special histological studies.
Treatment of skin tuberculosis
For the treatment of the disease, combinations of several drugs are usually prescribed, which should be taken for 2-3 months. Then the combination is changed so that there is no resistance to drugs.
The most effective to date are Isoniazid and Rifampicin.
The drugs with an average efficiency include Streptomycin, Ethionamide, Florimycin, Kanamycin.
The course of treatment lasts 10-12 months with subsequent medical supervision for 5 years. Self-medication for tuberculosis is strictly contraindicated.