While the lesions may be soft, they are more often firm. Typically, they are red to purple in color, but they may show no coloration. Approximately three quarters of examples are localized. The remaining cases usually show grouped papules in a single defined region. More disseminated cases are rare.
Lesions are infrequent below the waist.
Pseudolymphomatous actinic reticuloid affects sun-exposed areas. Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis demonstrates lesions in areas where the inciting agent has come in contact with the skin. Biopsy is necessary to establish a diagnosis of pseudolymphoma. An adequate sampling extending well into the subcutis with avoidance of crush artifact is essential. In such cases, analysis for immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements may provide additional helpful information.