Dept. of Dermatology - University of Iowa College of Medicine

Lichen Planus:

• Lichen planus exhibits hyperkeratosis, focal hypo-granulosis, irregular acanthosis, basal cell layer damage and a "band-like" infiltrate of lymphocytes "hugging" the dermal-epidermal junction. The rete ridges have a pointed, "saw-tooth" appearance. The basal cell layer appears "wiped out" by liquifactive degeneration. Occaisionally a sub-epidermal cleft or bulla can form, producing bullous lichen planus. Colloid bodies (hyaline, cytoid or Civatte bodies) in the lower epidermis or upper dermis have a homogeneous eosinophilic appearance.

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October, 1995