Foreign body hair granuloma in barbers

Foreign body hair granuloma and draining sinuses may occur in the non-dominant hand interdigital spaces of barbers. The client's hair penetrates the web space of the male barber's hand during repetitive finger movement, and the constant opening and closing of the web space, typical of this occupation. Once inside the skin, the hairs cause a foreign body reaction and sinus formation, which may become infected later. We present three cases in which thorough local excision and primary closure, covered by peri-operative antibiotics, resulted in cure. The barber must regularly cleanse between his fingers to avoid laceration, and occasionally wear gloves or mittens to prevent recurrence. A high level of suspicion on the part of the medical team will prevent ineffective treatment and decrease morbidity.