Lichen Scrofulosorum: A Case Report

Lichen Scrofulosorum (LS) is an uncommon tuberculid that was initially described by Hebra in 1868 and typically affects children and young adults. Tuberculids are hypersensitivity reactions in the skin caused by internal Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. These eruptive lesions result from bacilli spreading through the bloodstream in a host with high resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although uncommon, this condition can be a valuable indicator of tuberculosis. Patients with LS typically exhibit a strong tuberculin reaction, concomitant tuberculous involvement of lymph nodes, bone, or other organs, and they show a good response to Antitubercular Therapy (ATT). Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 35-year-old female who presented with multiple papules on her face for five years. A detailed examination revealed no tuberculin reaction, no lymph node involvement, and a good response to ATT. Therefore, LS is a tuberculid that may resemble several other dermatological disorders, necessitating a thorough effort to verify the diagnosis.