A histochemical approach to the differentiation of lichen planus from lupus erythematosus

A histochemical technic utilizing a maleimide-derived fluorochrome for the detection of disulfide bonds in subepidermal hyaline bodies is described. Lichen planus and the skin lesions of lupus erythematosus, which may have similar clinical, histologic, and immunofluorescent presentations, tend to demonstrate different patterns of reactivity with this reagent. This technic, then, may be used to distinguish between these two cutaneous disorders.