Harpist's finger: case report of a trauma-induced blister in a beginner harpist and review of string instrument-associated skin problems in musicians.
Musicians may develop skin problems resulting from playing their instruments. Dermatologic conditions in string players usually are secondary to allergic contact dermatitis (allergens include chromium, nickel, colophony, paraphenylenediamine, propolis, and exotic woods) and physical trauma (between either the fingers and the strings or the body and the instrument). A beginner harpist who developed harpist's finger--blister and subsequent callus of her left index finger from repeated trauma between the digit and the harp strings--is described, and string instrument-associated skin problems in musicians are reviewed.
Cohen
Philip R
PR
University of Houston Health Center, Texas, USA. mitehead@aol.com
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001768:Blister / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009146:Music; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology
D000485:Allergens