Primary mucocutaneous tuberculosis of the lower lip: an atypical presentation

Primary mucocutaneous tuberculosis of the lower lip, without pulmonary or systemic involvement, is an uncommon presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis. The rare combination of lower lip swelling, vermilion border beading, gingival hyperplasia and nasal crusting, as seen in our adolescent patient further adds to the atypical nature of the disease while also highlighting diagnostic complexity. We therefore urge dermatologists to keep a high index of clinical suspicion and undertake relevant investigations to actively rule out tuberculosis especially in endemic areas in cases of chronic non-healing lip lesions.