Publication:

Delayed diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis in a child with chronic skin lesions: a case report

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in children and often pose a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical presentation. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy with chronic skin lesions for three years who received multiple empirical treatments without improvement. Examination of the skin lesion revealed erythematous to violaceous plaques with lichenification, scaling and excoriated areas. The margins are relatively well defined with smaller satellite papules. Skin biopsy showed epithelioid granulomas with Langhans giant cells and caseation consistent with CTB. He completed a 6-month course of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) and the skin lesion healed with an unsightly scar. This case highlights the need to consider biopsy in chronic non-healing lesions to prevent long term cosmetic complications.