Don't Miss This Blue Toe: Hair Tourniquet Syndrome

The document describes a case of hair tourniquet syndrome in a 6-month-old girl, where early diagnosis prevented the autoamputation of her toe. The syndrome occurs when a hair wraps tightly around an appendage, causing pain, swelling, and potential loss of the appendage. The infant presented with a week-long history of appetite loss and redness of the left third toe, which did not improve with antibiotics and topical treatment. Physical examination showed severe edema and erythema with constriction at the toe's base. The mother's postpartum hair loss was identified as the likely source of the hair causing the tourniquet. Despite no hair being visible due to swelling, the diagnosis was made based on history and clinical presentation, and the child was referred for emergency surgery. The surgeon found and removed a hair during the procedure, saving the toe. The article emphasizes the importance of high suspicion for early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and prevention through parental education about postpartum hair loss and regular infant inspection.