Clinical profile of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis in eastern India – A prospective study

BackgroundCutaneous tuberculosis is an important infectious public health problem in India. The increasing incidence of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis is a marker of active transmission of the disease in the community.Materials and methodsAll cases of cutaneous tuberculosis in patients ≤14 years of age were included in the study. After a thorough history taking and examination, the patients were subjected to necessary investigations. They were categorised into different type of cutaneous tuberculosis and were started on anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) accordingly.ResultsA total of 128 cases of cutaneous tuberculosis were identified within the study period. The clinical types identified in children in decreasing order of frequency were, lupus vulgaris, lichen scrofulosorum, tuberculosis verrucosa cutis, scrofuloderma, tuberculous gumma, miliary tuberculosis and papulonecrotic tuberculid. Multiple clinical types were seen in 7 patients.ConclusionA proper diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis is very important, as it responds very well to ATT and early diagnosis decreases the chances of complications.