Yes, tuberculosis (TB) can affect the skin. While TB most commonly affects the lungs, it can also infect the skin, a condition known as cutaneous tuberculosis. This is a relatively rare occurrence.
Understanding Cutaneous Tuberculosis
Cutaneous tuberculosis arises when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect the skin. Several sources confirm this, including the statement: "When it involves the skin, it is called cutaneous tuberculosis". This infection can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of symptoms such as rashes and bumps, as noted by multiple sources like Verywell Health and Healthline.
The bacteria responsible for causing TB in the lungs, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the same bacteria that causes cutaneous TB. Other mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium bovis, and even the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, can also cause skin involvement. This information is supported by numerous sources, including ScienceDirect and a practical case report and review published in PMC.
Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnosing TB often involves skin or blood tests. The TB skin test (Mantoux test or PPD) is a common method, but it's important to note that the BCG vaccine can cause a false-positive result. The CDC clarifies that "The TB skin test is both safe and reliable to use throughout pregnancy", highlighting the importance of accurate testing. Blood tests are also used, and are unaffected by pregnancy, unlike the skin test.
Conclusion
In summary, while lung involvement is the most common presentation of TB, the disease can indeed affect the skin, resulting in cutaneous tuberculosis. This condition is caused by the same bacteria responsible for pulmonary TB, and its diagnosis often relies on skin or blood tests.
