One of my eight-month-old son’s toes was red and badly swollen. Wrapped around it was a strand of my hair,
Continue Reading »pulled so tightly that it had dug into his delicate skin. I had checked his diaper, forehead, stomach, and hands, but overlooked the foot beneath his sock.
Afraid of hurting him, I called my husband for help. Together, we eventually freed the toe,
and our baby’s relentless crying began to ease. Relief came with guilt: how had I missed it?
😢
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I later learned this is called a hair tourniquet: a hair or thread can tighten around a toe and restrict circulation.
It can be difficult to see, especially once swelling develops. Unexplained crying deserves attention, including checking beneath socks and clothing.
A swollen or discolored toe, or a strand that cannot be completely removed easily,
needs urgent medical care. Something almost invisible can cause real harm—and should never be dismissed.
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