Lichen scrofulosorum

Lichen scrofulosorum
Synonyms	Tuberculosis cutis lichenoides
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Small, firm, skin-colored or reddish-brown papules
Complications	Scarring
Onset	Usually in children and young adults
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Risks	Tuberculosis exposure, immunocompromised state
Diagnosis	Skin biopsy, tuberculin skin test
Differential diagnosis	Lichen planus, Lichen nitidus, Prurigo nodularis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antitubercular therapy, topical corticosteroids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Lichen Scrofulosorum is a skin disease associated with tuberculosis. It is a rare form of tuberculid that is usually seen in children and adolescents with a high degree of tuberculin sensitivity.

Symptoms

The disease is characterized by a sudden eruption of asymptomatic, minute, lichenoid papules, usually on the trunk and proximal extremities. The papules are closely grouped, and have a predilection for the abdomen, chest, back, and buttocks. The face, palms, and soles are usually spared.

Causes

Lichen Scrofulosorum is caused by the hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis and is seen in patients with a strong immune response to the infection.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Lichen Scrofulosorum is made based on the clinical presentation and histopathological findings. A skin biopsy shows non-caseating granulomas in the dermis. The Mantoux test is strongly positive, and there may be evidence of internal tuberculosis.

Treatment

The treatment of Lichen Scrofulosorum involves the administration of anti-tubercular drugs. The skin lesions usually resolve with treatment of the underlying tuberculosis.

See Also

• Tuberculosis
• Tuberculin
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Skin biopsy
• Mantoux test

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