Abnormal dermis morphology Dermal foam cells 2024-06-30T18:24:50Z Presence of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) in the inner layer of the skin (dermis). Chronic inflammation of infectious and non-infectious origin is often associated with the presence of foam cells, lipid-laden macrophages that exhibit impaired immune function and can contribute to pathogenesis. Foam cells (or foamy macrophages) form when, due to dysregulated metabolism, lipids accumulate beyond the homeostatic capacity of macrophages. The lipids are stored as droplets that confer a foamy appearance to the macrophages.