Grenz Zone

Compartment: Papillary Dermis

Illustration of a skin cross-section showing a clear, uninvolved band of papillary dermis separating the epidermis from a dense underlying dermal infiltrate.
Grenz zone: narrow band of uninvolved papillary dermis separating the epidermis from a dermal infiltrate or tumor.

Definition: A narrow, uninvolved band of papillary dermis separating the epidermis from an underlying dermal infiltrate or tumor.

Clinical Context: Granuloma faciale, Lymphocytoma cutis, Lepromatous leprosy, Discoid lupus erythematosus

Key Feature: Clear, normal-appearing collagen 1–3 bundles thick, sharply demarcating the basal layer above from a dense infiltrate below.

🔗 Related Terms: Pigment Incontinence

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