Chronic Nonhealing Ulcer in a Finger of a Toddler – A Rare Presentation of Hair Thread Tourniquet Syndrome

In 2008, a case study was presented involving a two-year-old child with hair-thread tourniquet syndrome, which is a rare condition where a strand of hair or thread becomes tightly wrapped around an appendage, leading to serious complications if not treated promptly. The child had a chronic nonhealing, discharging ulcer on a finger, which was initially misdiagnosed. Upon examination under anesthesia, a fine green fiber from a doll's hair was discovered deeply embedded in the tissue, requiring surgical removal and a dorsal longitudinal incision to release any fibrotic constriction bands. The treatment was successful, with significant reduction in swelling within 24 hours and normal finger function after seven days. The study highlighted the importance of early recognition and treatment of this condition and recommended that medical professionals and parents be aware of its signs and symptoms to prevent permanent damage or loss of an appendage.