[Eosinophilic leucocytes in the skin lesions of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (author's transl)].

Using specific techniques (Leder; and Schaefer u. Fischer) we examined the presence of eosinophilic leucocytes (EGr) in sections of various forms of psoriasis, some under treatment with methotrexate. We compared the results with findings in atopic dermatitis. The number of EGr was calculated in proportion to the remaining cells in the relevant section of the horny layer and of the dermis (papillary body, subpapillary dermis). The proportion of eosinophilic leucocytes was found to be considerably smaller than the supposed number seen in H.-E. sections. Also, in psoriasis pustulosa the proportion was relatively small, whereas in the dermis of atopic dermatitis it was 2 times higher. In atopic dermatitis of patients, who acquired the dermatitis as adults, the proportion was lower, although it was possible to examine the tissues of only three such patients. Treatment with methotrexate had no significant influence on the percentage of EGr in the psoriatic infiltrates.