Interdigitale sinus pilonidalis van de voet

Background

Besides the natal cleft, a pilonidal sinus can also occur in other areas of the body. An uncommon place is the interdigital web space of the toes. A sinus can arise due to penetration of the skin by a hair. The only curative treatment is surgical excision.

Case description

A 55-year-old man was referred by the GP with an inflammation between his toes. On physical examination we saw a skin defect with hairs and granulation tissue between the fourth and fifth toes of the right foot. It was decided to surgically excise the affected area. Histopathological examination showed a chronical, fibrosing inflammation surrounding a free hair structure, consistent with a pilonidal sinus. The lesion was probably caused by dog hairs, in combination with poor personal hygiene.

Conclusion

This patient had a pilonidal sinus at an uncommon site. In the event of poorly-understood inflammation between the toes, a pilonidal sinus should be considered.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.