When the skin speaks: A case of Lupus vulgaris in a toddler
Document Type
Case Report
Department
Medical College Pakistan
Abstract
Lupus vulgaris (LV), a common form of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB), is rarely encountered in children. The disease follows a chronic course and often mimics other dermatological conditions, posing a diagnostic challenge and leading to inappropriate management. We report a rare case of a three-year-old boy who presented with a chronic ulcerated facial lesion persisting for the past two years. Skin biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with Langhans giant cells. A comprehensive TB workup was performed along with an evaluation to exclude other differential diagnoses. Despite negative acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, the diagnosis was established based on clinical features and histopathological findings. The patient responded well to standard antituberculosis therapy. On follow-up, the lesion had largely resolved without complications. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment of LV, especially in TB-endemic regions, to prevent permanent disfigurement.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Infect Dis Clin Microbiol
DOI
10.36519/idcm.2026.938
Recommended Citation
Mallick, S. A.,
Abdullah, A.,
Ahmed, M.,
Shabbir, A.,
Shabbir, I.
(2026). When the skin speaks: A case of Lupus vulgaris in a toddler. Infect Dis Clin Microbiol, 8(3), 315-318.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_mc/687