Treatment:

When infection is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, treatment usually involves 9 to 12 months of antibiotics. Several antibiotics need to be used at once. Common antibiotics for scrofula include:

• INH
• Rifampin
• Pyrazinamide
• Ethambutol

When infection is caused by another type of bacteria, as is often seen in children, therapy usually involves antibiotics such as rifampin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin.

Surgery is not usually needed, and only done when medicines do not work well.

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment, patients usually make a complete recovery.

Complications:

• Scarring
• Formation of a draining fistula in the neck

Calling your health care provider:

Call your provider if your child has a swelling or group of swellings in the neck. Scrofula can occur in children without exposure to someone with tuberculosis.