Penile hair tourniquet to base of penis resulting in circumferential separation of shaft skin without vascular compromise: An unusual case report

Abstract

Hair tourniquet syndrome occurs when a strand of hair or thread becomes wrapped around an appendage, causing injury which can progress to ischemia, necrosis or autoamputation.A 2 year old uncircumcised male presented with 1 day of erythema to base of penis followed by a bleeding wound of 5 hours duration. On examination, there was circumferential separation of shaft skin at the base of the penis. Examination of diaper revealed a coiled strand of maternal hair. Debridement and primary repair were done, with an uneventful recovery. This represents an unusual presentation, as both the site and pattern of injury were atypical.

Keywords

• Hair tourniquet
• Penile hair tourniquet
• Degloving penile injury