An histological and ultrastructural study of the `dirty neck' appearance in atopic eczema

Authors: HUMPHREYS, F.¹; SPENCER, J.¹; MCLAREN, K.²; TIDMAN, M.J.¹

Source: Clinical & Experimental Dermatology, Volume 21, Number 1, January 1996 , pp. 17-19(3)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

The `dirty neck' appearance is a characteristic disorder of pigmentation, which has previously been found to affect approximately 2% of adult atopics. This disorder results in a rippled pattern of hyperpigmentation similar to that seen in macular amyloidosis. Biopsy specimens from affected skin of three patients were examined by histological and electron microscopical techniques. In addition to eczematous changes, marked pigmentary incontinence was observed. Amyloid-like material was detected by electron microscopy but not by light microscopy in all three specimens. Some deposition of amyloid occurs in this condition but the pigmentary changes are attributable to melanin incontinence.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.1996.d01-157.x

Affiliations: 1: Departments of Dermatology, 2: Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

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