Lichen scrofulosorum: A diagnosis overlooked

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Lichen scrofulosorum (tuberculosis cutis lichenoides) is a rare tuberculid.
• It typically affects children and adolescents with tuberculosis, presenting as asymptomatic papules.

Observation:

• The case involved an adult male diagnosed with lichen scrofulosorum.
• The patient had no identifiable focus of tuberculosis.
• Lesions were characteristic papules on the trunk and proximal limbs.

Findings:

• Diagnosis can be challenging due to resemblance to other dermatological conditions.
• The patient exhibited a strongly positive tuberculin reaction.
• Complete clearance of lesions was achieved within one month of antitubercular therapy.

Implications:

• This case expands the known demographic for lichen scrofulosorum to adults.
• It underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis even in adults presenting with atypical skin lesions.
• Prompt antitubercular treatment is effective for lichen scrofulosorum.