Hair tourniquet

Hair tourniquet
Other names	Toe tourniquet, thread tourniquet syndrome,[1] hair-thread tourniquet syndrome[1]
Hair tourniquet of the second toe
Symptoms	Pain and swelling of the affected part[1]
Complications	Tissue death, autoamputation[1]
Usual onset	2 to 6 months of age[1]
Risk factors	Autism, trichotillomania[1]
Prevention	Parent keeping long hair brushed and back, washing baby's clothes separately[1]
Treatment	Substance that breaks down hair, cutting through the hair[1]
Prognosis	Good with early treatment[2]
Frequency	Rare[1]

Hair tourniquet is a condition where hair or thread becomes tightly wrapped around most commonly a toe, and occasionally a finger, genitals, or other body parts.^[1] This results in pain and swelling of the affected part.^[1] Complications can include tissue death due to lack of blood flow.^[1] It occurs most commonly among children around 4 months of age,^[1] though cases have been described in older children and adults.^[2]

Most cases occur accidentally.^[1] Risk factors may include autism and trichotillomania.^[1] The mechanism is believed to involve wet hair become wrapped around a body part and then tightening as it dries.^[1] Diagnosis involves examination of the entire child.^[1] Prevention is by keeping the parent's hair from contact with the baby such as by the parent keeping their hair brushed and back and washing the baby's clothing separately.^[1]

Treatment is with a substance that breaks down hair or cutting through the hair.^[1] The condition is rare.^[1] Males and females are equally frequently affected.^[1] The first medical description dates from 1832.^[1] In some cultures thread is tied around the penis of children with bedwetting or for luck.^[1]