Morphology of atopic eczema

Abstract

Atopic eczema, an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by acute vesicular lesions or chronic lichenified plaques, both accompanied by pruritus, occurs at any period of life in patients with personal or family histories of atopy. Previous histologic studies of atopic eczema using biopsy specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin or with toluidinc blue and ultrastructural studies of infantile eczema are now extended by studies using 1 ?m thick sections stained with Giemsa's reagent. These biopsy specimens allow better definition of both normal skin structures and cells involved in the inflammatory response. This precision leads 10 clearer diffcrentiation or diagnosis between the clinically similar atopic eczema and allergic contact dermatitis.