Skin tuberculosis (TB) presents with a variety of symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the infection. It's crucial to remember that skin TB is a manifestation of a wider infection, typically originating in the lungs.
Common Skin TB Symptoms:
- Rashes: Skin TB can cause various rashes, often appearing as discolored areas.
- Lesions: These are areas of damaged skin, varying in size, shape, and appearance, and can be a key symptom.
- Ulcers: Open sores or wounds on the skin can develop as the infection progresses.
- Bumps (Papules and Nodules): Raised, solid bumps, often described as papules or nodules, can appear on the skin's surface. These can range in size from small to relatively large (1-3 cm), sometimes described as friable, painful, and erythematous-to-yellowish. They can develop into painful ulcers with fibrinous bases, particularly near bodily orifices. Edema (swelling) and inflammation are often seen in surrounding tissue.
- Skin Discoloration: Areas of skin may change color, often becoming red or purple. One specific example from the provided references is the appearance of firm red or purple swellings, often indicative of TB affecting the lymph nodes.
Specific Types and their Manifestations:
Several specific presentations of skin TB exist, each with slightly different symptoms: Examples include papulonecrotic tuberculid, lichen scrofulosorum, and erythema induratum of Bazin. These require specialized medical diagnosis.
It's important to note that these symptoms alone do not confirm a diagnosis of skin TB. A medical professional must perform appropriate testing (such as a skin test or blood test) and potentially a biopsy of affected tissue to confirm the diagnosis. Furthermore, the CDC highlights that TB in other areas of the body, like the lymph nodes or kidneys, can manifest externally with symptoms like swelling or blood in the urine.
