[Interdigital pilonidal sinus ("barber's disease")--a rare occupational disease]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Occupational Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Barber's disease, also known as digital pilonidal disease, is an occupational ailment.
• It results from short hairs penetrating the skin, typically in the interdigital spaces of the hands.

Observation:

• A patient presented with interdigital pilonidal sinuses affecting all web spaces in both hands.
• This presentation represents a highly extensive manifestation of the condition.

Findings:

• The chronic inflammatory reaction to foreign body (hair) resulted in the formation of fistulas, sinuses, and cysts.
• The widespread involvement of all interdigital spaces is a notable clinical finding.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential severity and extensive presentation of Barber's disease.
• It underscores the importance of recognizing occupational dermatoses and their varied clinical manifestations.