TLDR Hair-thread Tourniquet Syndrome, where hair or thread tightly wraps around a body part, is not rare and requires early detection to prevent serious damage.
The document reported on Hair-thread Tourniquet Syndrome (HTTS), a condition where a hair or thread wraps tightly around an appendage, leading to constriction and possible tissue damage. It presented a case of an infant with a swollen digit due to a constricting hair, which was resolved by cutting the hair. The review indicated that HTTS is often missed and can affect different body parts, mainly digits and genitalia, with children around 5.5 months old being the most affected. The condition may be linked to mothers experiencing postnatal hair loss. Diagnosis is difficult, sometimes requiring surgical intervention, and delayed recognition can lead to severe consequences like amputation. The document stressed the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers and parents for early detection and treatment, and to differentiate HTTS from child abuse. The authors concluded that while HTTS is not widespread, it is also not uncommon, and vigilance is key for early management.
17 citations,
December 2009 in “Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics” Two babies needed surgery to remove hair tightly wrapped around their toes to prevent serious injury.
23 citations,
September 2009 in “Child Abuse & Neglect” Checking family social conditions in tourniquet syndrome cases can help find neglect.
3 citations,
December 2007 in “Injury Extra” An elderly man with dementia suffered limb damage from rubber bands around his leg, highlighting the need for careful monitoring to prevent such injuries.
43 citations,
September 2006 in “Annals of Plastic Surgery” A hair wrapped tightly around an infant's toe caused severe damage, requiring early removal and possibly surgery to prevent worse outcomes like amputation.
22 citations,
July 2006 in “Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England” Hair or fiber wrapped tightly around a toe can lead to serious injury if not treated quickly.
37 citations,
March 2005 in “Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health” A hair strand caused a rare case of limb strangulation in a teenage girl with autism, and the condition is not always linked to child abuse.
45 citations,
March 2003 in “Pediatrics” Baby's toe injury linked to mom's hair loss; check baby's toes and be careful with fruit gel snacks.
Early detection and treatment of hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in young girls is important to prevent serious harm.
August 2022 in “Archives of pediatric surgery” Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome is a rare condition where hair or thread tightly wraps around a child's body part, requiring quick treatment to prevent damage.
7 citations,
August 2016 in “Nursing for Women's Health” To prevent and treat Hair-thread tourniquet syndrome in infants, keep a close eye on their limbs, manage maternal hair loss, and educate parents and healthcare providers.
2 citations,
November 2017 in “Case Reports” A baby boy's toe was saved from damage caused by hair strangulation by quick surgical treatment.
43 citations,
September 2006 in “Annals of Plastic Surgery” A hair wrapped tightly around an infant's toe caused severe damage, requiring early removal and possibly surgery to prevent worse outcomes like amputation.
