Treatment:

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

• Ethambutol
• Isoniazid (INH)
• Pyrazinamide
• Rifampin

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

Surgery is sometimes used as initial treatment, depending on circumstances. It may also be used if medications are not working on the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment, patients usually make a complete recovery.

Complications:

• Draining sore in the neck
• Scarring

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child has a swelling or group of swellings in the neck. Scrofula can occur in children who have not been exposed to someone with tuberculosis.