Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis is a proliferative skin lesion from direct inoculation of tubercle bacilli through skin trauma, a benign form of cutaneous TB. It is exogenous reinfection in an immune host causing localized verrucous lesions. Adults are affected (70.8% male), especially those in direct contact with TB patients or animals. Lesions occur on exposed sites, especially the dorsum of hands and fingers. It starts as a single papule whose central stratum corneum thickens into verrucous hyperplasia. The course is extremely slow, often unhealed for years.

Common Symptoms

Contracture scar; papule; scale; verrucous proliferation

Causes and Pathogenesis

Etiology: Direct contact with bacillus-contaminated items such as patient sputum, pus, blood, or diseased animal milk/secretions. Pathogenesis: Patients have prior TB with specific immunity (antibodies, sensitized lymphocytes); on re-exposure, sensitized T cells release immune effectors that recruit and activate macrophages, forming tuberculous granulomas of multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid cells with variable central caseation and peripheral lymphocytes; bacilli may be found in tissue. Due to allergy, the central layer thickens with hyperkeratosis or papillomatous verrucous elevation.

Treatment

Anti-tuberculous therapy, symptomatic treatment

Preventive Measures

BCG vaccination, strict work protocols, labor protection, treatment of diseased animals, periodic checkups, and early long-term standardized combination anti-TB therapy; after infection, actively isolate and centrally dispose of pus dressings to prevent transmission.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.