Skin health can be affected in many ways, and while some of these are not very severe, others can be life-threatening. One such condition is skin tuberculosis, which is a rather rare but severe type of tuberculosis. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of skin tuberculosis, signs to look out for, and the treatment options. Click here to know some essential skin care tips to avoid skin related diseases.
What is Skin Tuberculosis?
Cutaneous tuberculosis or skin tuberculosis is a type of tuberculosis that occurs in the skin. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the same bacterium that causes pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis mainly occurs in the lungs, but in some instances, it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the skin.
Causes of Skin Tuberculosis
The causes of skin tuberculosis include the transmission of the tuberculosis bacteria from one infected person to another through the air. However, in skin tuberculosis, the bacteria usually spreads from internal organs to the skin but it can also be introduced into the body through an open wound or sore. This condition is more likely to affect people with a compromised immune system. Skin tuberculosis cause could also include direct contact with infected articles or through a cut or any other injury on the skin.
Skin Tuberculosis Symptoms
Identification of Skin early stage skin tuberculosis symptoms can help improve the prognosis of the disease. The skin tuberculosis symptoms may be different depending on the type and the phase of the disease. Common skin tuberculosis symptoms include:
- Skin rashes that are red or brown in color
- Nodules or lumps that may be painful or painless
- Some ulcers that may take long to heal
- Inflammation of the affected part
- Tissue damage after the lesions have healed
In the skin early stage skin tuberculosis symptoms, you might have small, painless lumps under the skin. These lumps grow over time, progress, and become even bigger. These lesions may become ulcerated or form abscesses as the disease progresses.
Diagnosis of Skin Tuberculosis
Usually, skin tuberculosis is diagnosed with the help of a healthcare provider who will begin with the patient’s medical history and then perform a physical examination of the skin lesions. Diagnostic tests often include:
Skin Biopsy:
A small part of the affected skin is removed and is put under the microscope to check for the presence of TB bacteria.
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST):
This test is also called the Mantoux test and can show if a person has been infected with TB bacteria.
Culture and PCR Testing:
These tests assist in establishing the particular strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is useful in treatment management. Proper diagnosis is crucial in skin tuberculosis treatment and to avoid the spread of the disease to other people.
Skin Tuberculosis Treatment
Skin tuberculosis is not a disease that can be treated with a single medicine. The first line of skin tuberculosis treatment is through the administration of a combination of anti-tuberculosis drugs that may take between 6-9 months. These drugs are the same as those used in the treatment of pulmonary TB. In certain circumstances, surgery may be necessary to drain large abscesses or non-healing ulcers. It is important to take all the medications as prescribed to avoid the development of drug-resistant strains of TB bacteria.
Preventing Skin Tuberculosis
The best way to prevent this skin disease is by minimizing contact with TB bacteria, especially if one has a weakened immune system. Other aspects of prevention include maintaining overall health and boosting the immune system. It is also important to avoid direct contact with open wounds and follow skin care tips to minimize the chances of getting skin tuberculosis, besides practicing good hygiene.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis of the skin is a severe disease that should be treated immediately. Thus, knowing the skin tuberculosis cause, identifying the skin tuberculosis symptoms, and adhering to the skin tuberculosis treatment can help people control this disease. For your skin’s health and for strengthening your immune system, you can take a skin supplement that contains nutrients. It is always important to seek professional advice from a healthcare provider.
