Hair tourniquet in babies

What happens when there is a hair tourniquet?

Take a look at the image attached. Hair tourniquets (or any type of thread tourniquet) occur when a hair, usually from one of the people surrounding the baby or child (mother, older sister, caretaker, etc), wraps around a child’s finger (usually the toe) or their genital organ.
The hair causes a decrease in blood supply to that same organ, leading to a change in colour and pain.
Of-course this is something that can happen in any age group, but older children will be able to indicate the source and cause of the pain. Babies, on the other hand, will present with worsening irritability and pain.

So, what should we do if a baby presents with sudden and severe irritability?

Take all of their clothes off and make sure there are no hair tourniquets.

How are hair tourniquets treated?

I know the answer may seem easy, to simply cut the hair tourniquet, but in reality the swelling and the fact that the hair is very tight to the skin makes it very difficult to remove it on your own at home, without continuing to injure the child or the organ.
Therefore, try to gently release the hair and if you are unable to do refer to the nearest urgent clinic as soon as possible for its removal. After removal, your child will have to be monitored to ensure proper blood supply returns to the organ.

In summary, this is not a very common condition, but it is something that all caretakers and parents should be familiar with and keep in mind if their child presents with sudden irritability.
Good luc