Papulonecrotic Tuberculids Treatment & Management

Updated: Jun 19, 2018
  • Author: Manuel Valdebran, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
  • Print
Treatment

Medical Care

Treatment is directed at eradicating the underlying mycobacterial infection. Tuberculosis treatment guidelines may vary from region to region and from different authorities (ie, the World Health Organization [WHO] and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]). Currently, for patients with active tuberculosis, a 4-drug therapy with rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol (RIPE) is recommended to avoid the development of resistance. Papulonecrotic tuberculids respond promptly to appropriate antituberculosis therapy. New lesions cease forming within days to weeks after therapy is initiated, and existing lesions heal rapidly, usually within weeks. A minimum of 6 months of antituberculosis therapy is recommended. Recurrences rarely occur after appropriate therapy.

Also see the Medscape Drugs & Diseases articles Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Organism-Specific Therapy, as well as the World Health Organization guidelines, Recommendations for Investigating Contacts of Persons with Infectious Tuberculosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. [22]