Pigment Incontinence

Compartment: Dermo-epidermal Junction

Illustration of plump melanophages containing golden-brown melanin granules within the papillary dermis, beneath an epidermis showing vacuolar interface change.
Melanin pigment incontinence: dermal melanophages resulting from basal layer damage and pigment leakage.

Definition: Melanin pigment within the dermis, free or within melanophages, resulting from basal layer damage that lets pigment “leak” downward.

Clinical Context: Lichen planus, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Fixed drug eruption, Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Key Feature: Plump melanophages with golden-brown granules in the papillary dermis, overlying epidermis showing vacuolar/interface change.

🔗 Related Terms: Grenz Zone

See this in a real case: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus Alopecia) →