TLDR Doctors often miss Hair Tourniquet Syndrome, which can lead to serious damage if not treated quickly.
The document is a review of Hair Tourniquet Syndrome (HTS), a condition where hair or thread wraps tightly around an appendage, leading to potential tissue necrosis. It is often misdiagnosed, which can result in severe outcomes such as gangrene. HTS is most commonly seen in infants, with a study showing a mean age of 5.5 months among 57 patients. The condition can be associated with maternal telogen effluvium, which is hair loss after childbirth. The review highlights the need to consider child abuse as a possible cause of HTS and also touches on genital tourniquet syndrome in older children. Treatment requires immediate removal of the constricting material, and education for postpartum mothers is key to prevention. The review stresses the importance of awareness for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid serious consequences and recommends investigation for child abuse in all cases.
15 citations,
September 2010 in “Annals of saudi medicine/Annals of Saudi medicine” Hair tourniquet syndrome is a rare condition where hair wraps around an infant's body part, needing quick removal to prevent damage.
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.
2 citations,
November 2017 in “Case Reports” A baby boy's toe was saved from damage caused by hair strangulation by quick surgical treatment.
5 citations,
November 2015 in “Turk Pediatri Arsivi-turkish Archives of Pediatrics” A preterm baby's toes were saved from damage by quickly removing a thread that was cutting off circulation.
6 citations,
January 2015 in “International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine” Hair removal cream effectively and painlessly treated infants with hair tourniquet syndrome.
6 citations,
January 2015 in “Il Giornale di Chirurgia” Hair tourniquet syndrome can cause serious harm if not treated quickly, especially in infants.
6 citations,
January 2013 in “Urology” An 8-year-old boy with bed-wetting issues suffered a severe penile injury from tying a thread around his penis, requiring urgent medical treatment to avoid worse outcomes.
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.
