(HTS) is a rare but serious medical emergency where a strand of hair or a thin thread wraps so tightly around an appendage—most commonly a toe or finger—that it cuts off circulation. While it sounds minor, if left untreated, the constriction can lead to severe tissue damage, infection, and even the loss of the limb. Who is at Risk?

The mechanism of injury in HTS follows a predictable physiological progression:

A single strand of hair caused a medical emergency. Here’s what every parent needs to know.

Hairs are almost invisible and can feel like a tight rubber band. But unlike a rubber band, you can’t always see or feel it. It can dig into the skin, damage nerves, or even cause loss of the digit if left untreated.

This condition primarily affects . This specific timing is often linked to postpartum hair loss (telogen effluvium) in mothers, which increases the likelihood of stray hairs finding their way into a baby’s socks, mittens, or diapers. While less common, HTS can also affect older children or adults, particularly those with conditions like autism or trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). Common Signs and Symptoms

Hair Tourniquet Syndrome (HTS) is an uncommon but urgent medical condition characterized by the strangulation of an appendage by a hair or synthetic fiber. While most commonly affecting the digits of infants, it can occur in various anatomical locations and across age groups. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical to prevent ischemia, necrosis, and potential loss of the appendage. This review covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of HTS.