Skin TB Symptoms: Sores and Patches That Need a Check

Skin TB (cutaneous TB) is rare and slow. Because it is usually painless, people often live with it for months before getting checked.

हिंदी में सार

त्वचा की टीबी में गाँठ या हड्डी के ऊपर ऐसा घाव जिससे बार-बार पानी या मवाद निकले, या 6 महीने से ज़्यादा रहने वाला मोटा, मस्से जैसा या लाल-भूरा धब्बा हो सकता है। यह धीरे बढ़ती है और अक्सर दर्द नहीं होता। डॉक्टर को दिखाएँ।

Signs of skin TB

A sore or discharging woundover a gland, bone or joint
A thick, warty patchlasting more than 6 months
A reddish or reddish-brown patchlasting more than 6 months
Painless lumpsthat slowly break open

Not every dark spot is TB

Many people search for black or red dots on the skin. Small spots that come and go are almost never TB. The ICMR workflow describes skin TB as long-lasting: sores or sinuses over glands or bones, or warty or reddish patches lasting more than 6 months.

A skin doctor confirms it with a small biopsy. Treatment is the same as for lung TB under NTEP. See extrapulmonary TB treatment.

Do not guess. Get a free TB test.

Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.

Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.

TB symptoms body mapTap a part of the body to see how TB can show up there.

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Other parts of the body

Lungs (pulmonary TB)Cough, fever, weight loss, blood in phlegm.Neck and gland TBA lump in the neck, armpit or groin.Bone and joint TBPain and swelling of one joint for weeks.Spine TBBack pain for 6 weeks or more, a new hump.

Frequently asked questions

Is skin TB contagious?

Skin TB rarely spreads to others, but your doctor will check whether you also have lung TB.

Does skin TB itch?

Usually not much. It is mostly painless and slow.

Can skin TB be cured?

Yes, with the full course of TB medicines.

Do children get skin TB?

Yes, it can occur in children. A sore or patch that does not heal for months needs a doctor.

Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.