Spongiosis


Spongiosis is mainly intercellular edema in the epidermis, and is characteristic of eczematous dermatitis, manifested clinically by intraepidermal vesicles, "juicy" papules, and/or lichenification. It is a severe case of eczema that affects the epidermis, dermis and/or subcutaneous skin tissues. The three types of spongiotic are acute, subacute and chronic. A dermatologist can diagnose acute spongiotic by examining the skin during an office visit but a biopsy is needed for an accurate diagnosis of the type.
It can be caused by several internal or external factors such as food, an insect bite, stress, medication or cosmetics. The treatment varies depending on the type and severity; it is normally treated with topical corticosteroid cream.