Lupus vulgaris

A chronic and progressive form of cuteneous TB that occurs in tuberculin sensitive patients. In most series it is the most common form of cut. TB.

Lesion appears in normal skin as a result of direct extension of underlying tuberculous foci, of lymphatic or hematogenous spread, after primary inoculation, BCG vaccination or in scars of old scrofuloderma.

Lesion mostly invove the head and neck.

Reappearance of new nodules within a previously atrophic or scarred lesion is characteristic.

Cartilage within the affected area is progressively destroyed(lupus vorax)

Bone is usually spared.

Clinical variants include;

a)plaque form

b)ulerating

c)vegetative

d)nodular

Lesions often persist for years before diagnosis

And can be disfiguring

Patients with lupus vulgaris and PTB have a 4-10 fold higher mortality than PTB alone.

In long standing lupus vulgaris,squamous cell carcinoma can occur and be confused with the disease itself.http://www.answers.com/topic/lupus-vulgaris