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‘Fiddler's neck’
Author(s) -
PEACHEY R.D.G.,
MATTHEWS C.N.A.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1978.tb03586.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology
SUMMARY ‘Fiddler's neck’ is a condition affecting violin and viola players. Although well known to musicians it is not well recognized by dermatologists. Clinically the lesions usually consist of a localized area of lichenification on the left side of the neck—just below the angle of the jaw. Pigmentation, erythema and inflammatory papules or pustules are frequently present, while severe inflammatory induration, cyst formation and scarring occur in more severely affected subjects. The aetiology of the skin changes is probably due to a combination of factors; friction giving rise to lichenification, while local pressure, shearing stress and occlusion may play a part in producing the acne‐like changes and cyst formation. In addition, poor hygiene may predispose to local sepsis.