Cytology in the Diagnosis of Dermatological Diseases: Tzanck Smear

Abstract

Cytology is a simple, quick, reliable, and inexpensive diagnostic method based on the investigation of characteristic features of individual cells. In this diagnosis method, cellular materials are obtained by scraping method, slit-skin smear, touch smear or fine needle aspiration method according to the types of skin lesions. Obtained materials are immediately spread onto microscopic slide as a thin layer. Slides were stained with various cytological dyes, and examined under the light microscope. Until today, dermatological cytology has been used in the diagnosis of various erosive-vesiculobullous, pustular, granulomatous, and tumoral skin lesions. In this review article, the sampling methods for dermatological cytology were described, and the cytologic findings of skin diseases which could provide a rapid diagnosis were discussed.