Rudimentary polydactyly in an adult: an unusual presentation to a dermatological surgery unit

Accessory digits or polydactyly present uncommonly to dermatologists. Usually they are treated by ligature in the neonatal period or by surgery in childhood. We report a 38-year-old man who presented to a dermatological surgery unit for treatment of a lifelong lesion on the ulnar aspect of his right fifth finger. Clinically this appeared to be a miniature accessory digit and this was discussed with the patient. Subsequent histological examination of the excision specimen confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Further questioning of the patient revealed a strong family history of polydactyly.