Parents warned about dangers of hair tourniquet in babies

New parents are being urged to look out for a rare condition in babies that can cut off blood circulation, and even lead to amputation. After a rise in cases, a Bundoora paediatrician has warned parents to watch out for loose threads and strands of hair.

Nicole Llewellyn regularly checks her 15-week-old son Matthew for any signs of Hair tourniquet. Picture: Ellen Smith

A rare condition that causes the circulation to be cut off from baby’s fingers and toes – and can lead to amputation in extreme cases – is on the rise.

Bundoora paediatrician Luke Sammartino said incidents of babies suffering from Hair tourniquet – where stray hairs became wrapped around a baby’s hands or feet – were on the rise across the city and that a “lack of awareness” about the rare condition had contributed to the increase.

“I have spoken with a number of incredibly distressed parents whose babies have been affected by this condition,” he said.

“It’s occurring more commonly than people might think.

“The adjustment to parenthood is a steep learning curve for mums and dads and that’s why we need to help them along the way by educating them about things like this.”

An example of Hhair tourniquet — where fine hairs or threads become wrapped around an infant’s toes or fingers. Picture: Supplied

The condition mainly affects newborns under one-year-old.

Dr Sammartino said constant crying, redness and swelling were telltale signs a baby was suffering from Hair tourniquet.

“It is vital that parents watch out for hair tourniquets as there is a significant risk if this condition persists for too long and goes undetected,” he said.

“Not only can it cut off circulation and cause a lack of blood flow to the affected area, in extreme cases there is also a risk that a baby could significantly injure or even lose the affected body part.”

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Dr Sammartino said some women suffering from hair loss after having a baby and even combing a family member’s hair could result in stray hairs on the floor.

“You can’t avoid this scenario entirely but what parents can do is check their baby’s fingers or toes while dressing, changing or bathing them and particularly if they are crying and there is no obvious cause,” he said.

“Always look out for red or discoloured fingers or toes, swelling around areas including the genitalia and marks or grooves on a body part.

“Hairs can be so fine that sometimes it is remarkably difficult for parents to see them so it pays to be vigilant and aware.”

Dr Sammartino also advised parents to check clothing or socks for loose threads.

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