Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
Skintuberculosis (TB)is a bacterial infection that can manifest differently depending on the individual, leading to a range of symptoms, including rashes, bumps (lesions), and ulcers on various parts of the body.If left untreated, skin TB can lead to serious complications or spread to other parts of the body.
This article discusses the frequent and rare symptoms of skin TB, potential complications, and when it’s time to seek help.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Exposure to theMycobacterium tuberculosisbacterium usually occurs in two ways: via cuts, wounds, or needle sticks or spread from the lungs or other organs.When TB affectsthe skin, symptoms typically arise within two to four weeks of exposure to the bacterium.
The first signs of skin TB are usually rashes and red or yellowishpapulesand nodules (raised bumps on the skin), which may develop into the following:
Other, more specific manifestations of the condition may appear as it progresses. The most common of these include the following:
Rarer symptoms and conditions of skin TB include:
Skin TB is rare, representing only 1% to 2% of TB infections outside the lungs.Most people exposed toM. tuberculosis(or other bacteria) never develop any symptoms. However, the bacteria can live in the body without causing symptoms and this is called latent TB infection (LTBI). About 5 to 10% of people with latent TB will develop TB and testing is recommended for anyone at greater risk of exposure. For those that develop symptoms, antibiotic therapy can effectively treat the condition.
Complications/Subgroup Indications
Skin TB is more prevalent in those with weaker immune systems (immunocompromisedindividuals). If allowed to progress, a number of complications may arise, including:
Other Diseases and Skin TB
Overall, skin TB is very rare; however, when it arises, it frequently accompanies health conditions that impact the immune system. These include:
In these cases, skin TB is more likely to spread and become more severe and difficult to manage. Furthermore, some therapies for other conditions, such asradiation therapyfor cancer, can hinder immune function, making cases worse.
TB and AIDSHIV, the virus that causes AIDS, attacks the immune system, eventually compromising its function. As a result, infections and other diseases become more dangerous and fatal. TB is the leading underlying cause of death associated with this condition.
TB and AIDS
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, attacks the immune system, eventually compromising its function. As a result, infections and other diseases become more dangerous and fatal. TB is the leading underlying cause of death associated with this condition.
Age and Skin TB
Because infants and young children’s immune systems aren’t fully developed, they aren’t as capable of fighting TB and preventing it from spreading to the skin. Symptoms and complications of skin TB are more likely to develop in this population, especially in regions where TB is more prevalent.
Women With Skin TB
Certain types of skin TB only affect women, including EIB and GM. TB can also affect menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider or child’s pediatrician if you have skin TB or a history of the condition.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you see unusual symptoms on your skin, such as the formation of nodules and papules, talk to your healthcare provider. Since some forms of skin TB arise from puncture wounds or through cuts, getting help is also important if you suspect you’ve been exposed. Seek care if you’re experiencing symptoms of active TB, which include:
If symptoms are present in infants and children, older adults, pregnant women, or those living with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or another immunocompromising condition, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
If you’re treating skin TB, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your condition. In addition, be wary of the side effects ofantibiotics; though rare, they can be severe. Get emergency help if you experience:
Summary
Skin tuberculosis (TB) is a form of TB that arises when bacteria infect the skin. Skin TB can cause a range of symptoms, including rashes, bumps, lesions, and ulcers, among others. Several specific skin TB manifestations may also present themselves, including scrofuloderma, tuberculous verrucosa cutis, and lupus vulgaris.
While this rare condition can have significant and lasting effects, treatments are highly successful in managing this condition.
A Word From Verywell
No matter what form they take, the symptoms of skin TB can significantly impact your daily life. Call your healthcare provider if you suspect you have skin TB or see unexplained growths on your skin. Taking care of your health means being proactive; don’t delay seeking help when needed.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Santos JB, Figueiredo AR, Ferraz CE, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - part I.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):219-228. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142334de Brito AC, Oliveira CMM, Unger DA, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022;97(2):129-144. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.07.004Haitz K, Ly A, Smith G.Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.Cutis. 2019;103(1):38-42.Sharma S, Mohan A.Miliary tuberculosis.Microbiol Spectr. 2017;5(2). doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.tnmi7-0013-2016US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al.Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA. 2023;329(17):1487-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4899Sharma JB, Sharma E, Sharma S, et al.Female genital tuberculosis: revisited.Indian J Med Res. 2018;148(Suppl):S71-S83. doi:10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_648_18Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB risk factors.Bae K, Jeon KN, Choi HS, et al.Pulmonary tuberculosis mimicking radiation pneumonitis in a patient with neck malignancy: a case report.Medicine. 2019;98(27):e16398. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016398Machuca I, Vidal E, de la Torre-Cisneros J, et al.Tuberculosis in immunosuppressed patients.Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2018;36(6):366-374. doi:10.1016/j.eimc.2017.10.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB in pregnancy.Loveday M, Hlangu S, Furin J.Breastfeeding in women living with tuberculosis.Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2020;24(9):880-891. doi:10.5588/ijtld.20.0122Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.MedlinePlus.Rifampicin.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Santos JB, Figueiredo AR, Ferraz CE, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - part I.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):219-228. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142334de Brito AC, Oliveira CMM, Unger DA, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022;97(2):129-144. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.07.004Haitz K, Ly A, Smith G.Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.Cutis. 2019;103(1):38-42.Sharma S, Mohan A.Miliary tuberculosis.Microbiol Spectr. 2017;5(2). doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.tnmi7-0013-2016US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al.Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA. 2023;329(17):1487-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4899Sharma JB, Sharma E, Sharma S, et al.Female genital tuberculosis: revisited.Indian J Med Res. 2018;148(Suppl):S71-S83. doi:10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_648_18Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB risk factors.Bae K, Jeon KN, Choi HS, et al.Pulmonary tuberculosis mimicking radiation pneumonitis in a patient with neck malignancy: a case report.Medicine. 2019;98(27):e16398. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016398Machuca I, Vidal E, de la Torre-Cisneros J, et al.Tuberculosis in immunosuppressed patients.Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2018;36(6):366-374. doi:10.1016/j.eimc.2017.10.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB in pregnancy.Loveday M, Hlangu S, Furin J.Breastfeeding in women living with tuberculosis.Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2020;24(9):880-891. doi:10.5588/ijtld.20.0122Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.MedlinePlus.Rifampicin.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Santos JB, Figueiredo AR, Ferraz CE, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - part I.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):219-228. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142334de Brito AC, Oliveira CMM, Unger DA, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022;97(2):129-144. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.07.004Haitz K, Ly A, Smith G.Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.Cutis. 2019;103(1):38-42.Sharma S, Mohan A.Miliary tuberculosis.Microbiol Spectr. 2017;5(2). doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.tnmi7-0013-2016US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al.Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA. 2023;329(17):1487-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4899Sharma JB, Sharma E, Sharma S, et al.Female genital tuberculosis: revisited.Indian J Med Res. 2018;148(Suppl):S71-S83. doi:10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_648_18Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB risk factors.Bae K, Jeon KN, Choi HS, et al.Pulmonary tuberculosis mimicking radiation pneumonitis in a patient with neck malignancy: a case report.Medicine. 2019;98(27):e16398. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016398Machuca I, Vidal E, de la Torre-Cisneros J, et al.Tuberculosis in immunosuppressed patients.Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2018;36(6):366-374. doi:10.1016/j.eimc.2017.10.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB in pregnancy.Loveday M, Hlangu S, Furin J.Breastfeeding in women living with tuberculosis.Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2020;24(9):880-891. doi:10.5588/ijtld.20.0122Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.MedlinePlus.Rifampicin.
Santos JB, Figueiredo AR, Ferraz CE, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - part I.An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):219-228. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142334
de Brito AC, Oliveira CMM, Unger DA, et al.Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic update.An Bras Dermatol. 2022;97(2):129-144. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.07.004
Haitz K, Ly A, Smith G.Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.Cutis. 2019;103(1):38-42.
Sharma S, Mohan A.Miliary tuberculosis.Microbiol Spectr. 2017;5(2). doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.tnmi7-0013-2016
US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione CM, Barry MJ, et al.Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA. 2023;329(17):1487-1494. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4899
Sharma JB, Sharma E, Sharma S, et al.Female genital tuberculosis: revisited.Indian J Med Res. 2018;148(Suppl):S71-S83. doi:10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_648_18
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB risk factors.
Bae K, Jeon KN, Choi HS, et al.Pulmonary tuberculosis mimicking radiation pneumonitis in a patient with neck malignancy: a case report.Medicine. 2019;98(27):e16398. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016398
Machuca I, Vidal E, de la Torre-Cisneros J, et al.Tuberculosis in immunosuppressed patients.Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2018;36(6):366-374. doi:10.1016/j.eimc.2017.10.009
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.TB in pregnancy.
Loveday M, Hlangu S, Furin J.Breastfeeding in women living with tuberculosis.Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2020;24(9):880-891. doi:10.5588/ijtld.20.0122
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.
MedlinePlus.Rifampicin.
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