Lymphoid cells in band-like infiltrates hug the epidermis and have migrated into it to produce a lichenoid pattern. To the right of this area the basal unit has been destroyed by the cytopathic changes of the virus infection and by the lichenoid reaction. The papillary dermis is widened and fibrotic. The altered epidermis shows ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes. Centrally a cell shows a poorly defined intranuclear inclusion.
Several cells contain intracytoplasmic viral inclusions.
A cell to the right of the center of the field contains a well developed, acidophilic inclusion. 4 Ballooning degeneration is a prominent feature. The infiltrate of the papillary dermis is band-like and composed of lymphocytes and histiocytes. There is not a significant component of transformed lymphocytes. Vessels have swollen endothelium.