Findings

Note the spongiosis in the epidermis, i.e. widening of the intercellular space due to accumulation of inflammatory edema. Accumulation of the edema fluid has also formed blisters. Inflammatory cells seen here are mainly lymphocytes.

Impression

Acute allergic contact dermatitis.

Pathology Pointer

Spongiosis, formed by leakage of fluids from dermal capillaries into the epidermis, is a key feature of contact dermatitis.

Preparation

Fixed, H & E stain

View

Light micrograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego