TLDR Hair tourniquet syndrome in infants can be treated successfully with immediate hair removal.
The study examined hair tourniquet syndrome (HTS) in infants, where hair or thread can cause strangulation of appendages. It included 16 patients (8 boys and 8 girls, mean age 118.5 days) who underwent surgical treatment for HTS affecting 24 toes and fingers, predominantly on the right side. Symptoms lasted an average of 1.5 days and included excessive crying, swelling, and redness. All patients were treated successfully without complications. The study, with a Level IV evidence, suggests that HTS should be considered in infants with appendage strangulation and highlights the effectiveness of immediate hair removal, the need for thorough examination of infants, and parent education about HTS.
8 citations,
June 2016 in “Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B” Washing baby socks without flipping them inside out may increase the risk of Hair Tourniquet Syndrome.
7 citations,
January 2014 in “Case reports in pediatrics” A baby's toe was severely damaged by a hair tourniquet, leading to bone and tendon damage, but improved after surgery and treatment.
23 citations,
September 2009 in “Child Abuse & Neglect” Checking family social conditions in tourniquet syndrome cases can help find neglect.
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.
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.
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.
2 citations,
November 2017 in “Case Reports” A baby boy's toe was saved from damage caused by hair strangulation by quick surgical treatment.
November 2013 in “International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences” Doctors often miss Hair Tourniquet Syndrome, which can lead to serious damage if not treated quickly.
8 citations,
August 2018 in “Turkish journal of urology” Hair wrapped tightly around a boy's penis can cause serious damage if not treated quickly.
8 citations,
June 2016 in “Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B” Washing baby socks without flipping them inside out may increase the risk of Hair Tourniquet Syndrome.
