Lichen scrofulosorum – A Series of Eight Cases

Abstract

Lichen scrofulosorum is a rare entity of children and young adults. The cutaneous lesions are typically symptomless papular eruptions, associated with a strong Mantoux reaction, tuberculosis of lymph nodes and/or other organs. Eight patients between the ages of 5 and 36 years were included in this series. Lesions were commonly seen on the trunk, though a case of involvement of the palms and soles was also observed. Pulmonary tuberculosis was seen in 5 adults; 1 patient each had pleural effusion, tuberculous adenitis and tuberculoma, respectively. Histopathological examination typically showed epithelioid cell granulomas around hair follicles. The histogenesis is unclear, a type IV hypersensitivity reaction provoked by chronic tubercular infection is probable. The patients responded well to antituberculous therapy.