Analysis of cutaneous foreign bodies

Foreign materials from exogenous sources pose a constant challenge to the diagnostic skills of practicing dermatologists. Depending upon circumstances, radiologic, histologic, and ultrastructural techniques can be of assistance in ascertaining the presence and nature of the substance in question. With technologic advancements, identification of small-sized particles is no longer limited to morphologic study alone. Ultrastructural analytic techniques now permit identification of minute particles or quantities of material in tissues with relative ease. No doubt, further application of currently available and newly evolving analytic systems will expand our limits of detection and enhance our scientific knowledge.