Papulonecrotic tuberculid in childhood

Abstract

A case of papulonecrotic tuberculids of the anterior abdominal wall with active tuberculous cervical lymph glands in a 12 yr old girl was demonstrated. This case illustrated the fact that although the papulonecrotic tuberculid is a rare entity, physicians should be aware of its existence for the differential diagnosis of dermatological lesions. Lesions, which appear in crops resembling chickenpox, with a longer duration and a strongly positive tuberculin test should lead to the diagnosis of papulonecrotic tuberculid. The investigations should include biopsy and demonstration of an active tuberculous foci. The lesions will regress if the patient receives antituberculosis therapy. Misdiagnosis and postponement of treatment with specific drugs may give rise to unsatisfactory consequences.