The hair
loss that many women have after giving birth is common and known as
“telogen effluvium”. It can
be more than a nuisance--occasionally, those shed hairs can get wrapped
around baby's toes, creating a "tourniquet" that cuts off the
circulation. The condition is
not very common, and the exact incidence is not known. The condition,
referred to as toe tourniquet syndrome, occurs when a loose hair or thread
becomes so tightly wrapped around a baby's toes that pain, swelling and
discoloration occur. A finger or penis (Ouch!) can also get wrapped up, but
the toes are most often the victim. It can occur from 1 to 15 months of age
but usually occurs at an age when their mothers' post-delivery hair loss is
at its peak--around four months old.
The only symptom is fussiness and one of the toes are swollen, purple
and tender to the touch. Look for a fine line indention and blue or red toe
past it.
Treatment
is to soak the toe in “Nair” or other hair disolving solution.
Sometimes the surgeon has to cut down in the skin to release the
tourniquet.
So watch
the hairs and toes. J
Dr. Knapp
