Ultrastructural study of lichen planus: an evaluation of the colloid bodies

Colloid bodies, which are eosinophilic, dyskeratotic, damaged epidermal cells that show signs of fibrinoid necrosis and premature keratinization, may play a role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus. An ultrastructural study of two patients with lichen planus focusing on the colloid bodies suggests the possibility of these bodies initiating the lichenoid dermal reaction.