Lupus vulgaris
Lupus Vulgaris
Lupus Vulgaris (pronunciation: loo-pus vul-gair-is) is a chronic and progressive form of cutaneous tuberculosis that affects the skin, primarily on the face, neck, and limbs. It is the most common form of tuberculosis of the skin.
Etymology
The term "Lupus Vulgaris" originates from the Latin words "lupus," meaning wolf, and "vulgaris," meaning common. The disease was named so due to the belief that the lesions resembled a wolf's bite.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Lupus Vulgaris is the appearance of reddish-brown nodules on the skin, which may eventually spread and cause disfigurement. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, and fever.
Causes
Lupus Vulgaris is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the same bacterium that causes pulmonary tuberculosis. The bacteria can spread to the skin from other parts of the body, such as the lungs or lymph nodes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Lupus Vulgaris is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These tests may include a tuberculin skin test, a biopsy of the affected skin, and a chest X-ray to check for pulmonary tuberculosis.
Treatment
Treatment for Lupus Vulgaris typically involves a long-term course of antibiotics to kill the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged skin.
Related Terms
- Cutaneous Tuberculosis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Tuberculin skin test
- Biopsy
- Chest X-ray
- Antibiotics
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lupus vulgaris
- Wikipedia's article - Lupus vulgaris
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