Definition

Noun: * A chronic, progressive form of cutaneous tuberculosis: "lupus vulgaris" is a specific infectious skin disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is characterized by the slow development of reddish-brown nodules or plaques, primarily on the face, which can lead to significant tissue destruction and scarring.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with lupus vulgaris after a skin biopsy confirmed the presence of the tuberculosis bacteria.
  • Before effective antibiotics, lupus vulgaris often caused severe facial disfigurement.
  • The lesions of lupus vulgaris typically exhibit an "apple jelly" color when pressed with a glass slide.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Classification: The term is used in medical history and dermatology to describe this classic, though now rare in developed countries, manifestation of tuberculosis.
  • In the 19th century, lupus vulgaris was a common subject of study for dermatologists.

Variants and Related Words

• Cutaneous tuberculosis (n): The broader category of skin infections caused by , which includes lupus vulgaris as one type.
• Tuberculous lupus (n): An alternative name for the same condition.

Synonyms

• Tuberculosis of the skin: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Tuberculous dermatosis: A more general medical term for skin conditions caused by tuberculosis.

Noun

1. tuberculosis of the skin; appears first on the face and heals slowly leaving deep scars