Eschar: A pathognomonic sign of scrub typhus

MED talks with Dr K K Aggarwal

A painless papule often appears at the site of the infecting mite bite followed by central necrosis, which in turn leads to the formation of a characteristic eschar with a black crust.

One or multiple eschars may develop before the onset of systemic symptoms. The frequency of eschars in patients with scrub typhus is highly variable (46-88%).

Eschars may be overlooked if a careful clinical exam (including inspection of the genitalia and skin folds under the breast) is not performed.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

Vice President CMAAO

President HCFI

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