The hyaline bodies, eosinophilic and PAS-positive ovoid balls in the subepidermal papillary region, have been examined by light and fluorescent microscopy. Immunoglobulins, β1c-globulin, and sometimes albumin and fibrinogen were detected on the hyaline bodies. From the clinical and immunohistochemical points of view, two kinds of hyaline bodies were recognized: (1) Hyaline bodies of epidermal origin. Hyaline bodies of this type are often found in the epidermis and the papillary layer of lupus erythematosus and lichen planus. They may show some processes of degeneration in the epidermal cells. (2) Hyaline bodies which may originate from the thickened basement membranes are found in the papillary layer of lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. They are considered to demonstrate the processes of elimination of the PAS-positive material in the thickened basement membranes.