Mantoux test

hi, im 30  yrs old, and i had  my  mantoux  test 72  hours  ago.as pre-employment requirements on my job..The reading of  induration is around 12  to 15mm.My  GP dr. says, yes its  positive, but  it doesnt  mean that  i have  TB, could it  be my reaction to the tuberculin, coz i have no other signs  or  symptoms as  like  active TB has.

also, how many weeks   will this erythema and  swelling ( induration) will  disappear?  any measures  to be  done? or  it  will just  fade  away by its own, coz  its painful , too.

[opinmin]

Yes, you can have a reaction to the tuberculin serum, but usually the area would be just reddened not raised.  I didn't see it, so I can't really say.  A positive reading just means you have been exposed not necessarily have the disease.  A positive reading can be followed up with a chest xray to make sure there is no active disease too.  The induration and erythema might take 7-10 days to go away.  No need to do anything special for the site.  I would not apply lotions, creams or any excessive rubbing to the site.  If it does not subside after 2 weeks, have a physician reassess the site.    

[opinmin]

Any itching too?  That can happen as well when you are having a reaction to the serum with the redness/erythema.