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
• 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 not usually needed. It is only done when medicines do not work well.

With treatment, patients usually make a complete recovery.

• Draining fistula in the neck
• Ulcerated lymph nodes that produce draining sores
• Scarring

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.