Cutaneous Tuberculosis and Other Skin Diseases in Hospitalized, Treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in the Philippines

A cross-sectional study of 425 hospitalized patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was conducted to look for the presence of cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) and other skin diseases. Because PTB is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines, a high number of CTB was expected despite antituberculosis (anti-TB) treatment. Scarring (post-CTB) in Filipinos usually is obvious and visible because of their brown skin. However, no scarring was observed in our patients. Other skin diseases seen were tabulated and followed the frequency rates seen in charity and private hospitals or clinics reported in previously published literature. We therefore conclude that CTB is rare in patients with PTB, especially in treated cases.