Untangling a web: an unusual case of labial necrosis in an adolescent female.
Overview
abstract
BACKGROUND: Hair tourniquets are commonly described in the pediatric literature. Prompt recognition of a hair tourniquet and treatment with complete removal of the hair by pediatricians, pediatric emergency room physicians, or gynecologists is essential to prevent ischemia and necrosis of affected tissue. CASE: Herein we present the case of a 12-year-old female referred to the pediatric surgery clinic for labial pain and swelling. She was found to have a hair tourniquet of the labia minora caused by pubic hair. The patient was taken to the operating room for examination under anesthesia and removal of the hair. Her post-operative course was unremarkable and she was discharged home the following day. On follow-up visit to the clinic her labial edema had completely resolved and she was pain free. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previous case reports that describe hair tourniquets as originating from hair on the head, our patient had a hair tourniquet caused by pubic hair. In adolescents where personal hygiene of the perineum is difficult, clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of a hair tourniquet forming from pubic hair.
