Subcorneal Pustule
A sterile pustule located immediately beneath the stratum corneum, characteristically seen in subcorneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon–Wilkinson disease).
Full Definition
Subcorneal pustules are vesicopustular lesions in which neutrophils accumulate just below the stratum corneum, producing superficial, fragile pustules that rupture easily. The term is used in both clinical and histopathological contexts, the latter being more precise. In histopathology reports, 'subcorneal' specifies the anatomical level within the epidermis; editors should ensure it is not conflated with 'intraepidermal' or 'subepidermal', which denote different cleavage planes. The eponymous 'Sneddon–Wilkinson disease' may appear alongside this term and requires an en dash between the two surnames.
Usage
Usage note: No hyphen in 'subcorneal'. In eponymous disease names such as Sneddon–Wilkinson, use an en dash (–), not a hyphen (-). Confirm blister level terminology (subcorneal vs. subepidermal) before finalising pathology descriptions.
In Context
- "Histology demonstrated subcorneal pustules filled with neutrophils in the absence of acantholysis, consistent with subcorneal pustular dermatosis." — Histopathology report
- "The fragility of subcorneal pustules explains why patients often present with crusted erosions rather than intact blisters." — Clinical dermatology textbook chapter