Vacuolar interface dermatitis, annotated

Vacuolar interface dermatitis (VAC, also known as liquefaction degeneration, vacuolar alteration or hydropic degeneration) is a

dermatitis Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can ...

with vacuolization at the

dermoepidermal junction The dermoepidermal junction or dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) is the area of tissue that joins the epidermal and the dermal layers of the skin. The basal cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis connect to the basement membrane by the ancho ...

, with lymphocytic inflammation at the epidermis and dermis.

Causes

An interface dermatitis with vacuolar alteration, not otherwise specified, may be caused by viral exanthems,

phototoxic dermatitis Photodermatitis, sometimes referred to as sun poisoning or photoallergy, is a form of allergic contact dermatitis in which the allergen must be activated by light to sensitize the allergic response, and to cause a rash or other systemic effects ...

, acute

radiation dermatitis A radiation burn is a damage to the skin or other biological tissue and organs as an effect of radiation. The radiation types of greatest concern are thermal radiation, radio frequency energy, ultraviolet light and ionizing radiation. The most ...

erythema dyschromicum perstans Erythema dyschromicum perstans (also known as ashy dermatosis, and dermatosis cinecienta) is an uncommon skin condition with peak age of onset being young adults, but it may also be seen in children or adults of any age. EDP is characterized by ...

lupus erythematosus Lupus erythematosus is a collection of autoimmune diseases in which the human immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissues. Symptoms of these diseases can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, b ...

and

dermatomyositis Dermatomyositis (DM) is a long-term inflammatory disorder which affects skin and the muscles. Its symptoms are generally a skin rash and worsening muscle weakness over time. These may occur suddenly or develop over months. Other symptoms may in ...

References

{{reflist Dermatologic terminology