When the Skin Speaks: A Case of Lupus Vulgaris in a Toddler.

Mallick, Shabbir Ahmed, Abia Abdullah, Muneeb Ahmed, Ameera Shabbir, and Ifrah Shabbir. 2026. “When the Skin Speaks: A Case of Lupus Vulgaris in a Toddler.”. Infectious Diseases & Clinical Microbiology 8 (3): 315-18.

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.

Last updated on 06/23/2026
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