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3) Erythema nodosum :
Erythema nodosum has been reported to have accompanied primary
tuberculosis infection in 1-2(1'0 of British (Daniels, 1948 and Thompson,
1952) and 5-15% of Scandinavian cases (Crofton, 1954). It is rare below
the age of seven, with an increase in frequency up to puberty. It is
commoner in girls than boys at all ages and after puberty 80.90% ofcases
are in females (Ustvedt, 1977).
The characteristic feature of erythema nodosum is the presence of
tender dusky-red slightly nodular lesions on the anterior surfaces ofthe
legs, although lesions are occasionally also found on the anterior surfaces
of the thighs, the extensor surfaces ofthe forearms and rarely on the face
and breasts. The nodules are usually 5-20 mm in diameter, have ill- defined
margins and may become confluent. They usually resolve over a week or
two, the red color fading to purple and then brown, the brownish pigment
often persisting for several weeks. Recurrent crops oflesions may occur
(Leitch, 2000).
4) Phlyctenular conjunctivitis:
This condition reflects hypersensitivity to the tubercle bacillus, but
unlike erythema nodosum is not necessarily confined to the first weeks of
infection. It usually occurs within the first year (Price and McManus
1943), is most often seen in children and is said to be commoner in those
with poor social backgrounds and in non-European communities in Africa
and America (Miller et al., 1963). The lesion is usually seen in one eye but
may occur in both either simultaneously or successively. It begins with
irritation, lachrymation or photophobia. The characteristic finding is ofa
small 1-3 mm shiny yellowish or grey bleb at the limbus with a sheaf of
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