Case Report: Penile Strangulation Secondary to Hair Tourniquet
August 2020
in “
Frontiers in Pediatrics
”
TLDR Penile strangulation from hair can cause severe harm but can be treated if caught early.
Penile strangulation in children, often caused by maternal hair, is a rare but serious condition that can lead to severe complications like urethral injury and penile necrosis if not promptly diagnosed and treated. This report described two cases where children presented with penile swelling and erythema, which were successfully treated in the emergency department by identifying and removing the constricting hair. Early recognition and management, including the use of depilatory cream or mechanical removal, are crucial to prevent complications. Providers need to be aware of this condition and maintain a high index of suspicion, and caregivers should be educated on prevention.