A case of giant lupus vulgaris

Lupus vulgaris, the commonest form of tuberculosis of the skin, presents with a plaque that enlarges slowly with advancing edges while showing atrophy at other areas. It may be acquired by the blood stream, via lymph, by contiguous spread or from external inoculation. We describe a case of lupus vulgaris with a large erythematous-scaly plaque of 44 × 26 cm over the back and a similar 7 × 5 cm plaque over the right thigh. The plaque over the back was gradually progressive for the previous ten years and showed scarring and atrophy at places. Histopathology of the area showed caseating granulomas with Langhans giant cells, epitheloid cells and lymphocytes. A diagnosis of lupus vulgaris was made. This case is being presented owing to the large size of the lesion.