[Interdigital pilonidal sinus in barbers]

Three cases of barber's hair sinus of the hand are presented. The lesion is produced by the penetration of extraneous short hairs into the interdigital spaces of the hand. The hairs produce an inflammatory reaction and foreign body granuloma. The clinical picture is usually benign but can be complicated by repeated infection which may require surgery. The structure of the lesions varies from epithelial-lined tract, cyst with surrounding foreign body reaction, to fibrotic cicatricial tissue. The exact reasons for the lesion are not known, but several theories are offered. It is, however, clear that since the 1970's Italian barbers have changed their methods of cutting hair, using their hands more than the customary instruments, i.e., combs, brushes, etc. The authors discuss the occupational problems due to the complications of disabling lesions.