Immunofluorescent patterns in the skin in Besnier's prurigo.

Abstract
The immunofluorescent patterns in the skin of 18 patients with Besnier''s prurigo were studied at different stages of eczematous lesions. The presence, distribution pattern and numbers of immunoglobulin [Ig] and complement-positive lymphocytes in 29 biopsies were reported. In all cases IgE-positive lymphocytes were present in both clinically uninvolved and involved skin. IgG, IgM and IgE-positive lymphocytes showed a characteristic distribution pattern in the dermis. In the acute stages IgM deposition was prominent in the basement membrane zone; damage to the basement membrane probably resulted in diffusion of Ig and complement into the epidermis. These features were not present in a control group of normal skin and of other dermatoses.