Dermatologist Dr.Sadhana Deshmukh shares her response on premature graying of hair . AS a natural part of aging process there is loss of the pigment melanin from thehair which results in graying of hair. “Canities” is the medical term forgraying of hair. When hair turns gray before the age of 40 it is called as Prematuregraying or premature canities. Mostpeople actually start premature grays intheir late 20s but do not notice it immediately. Fairer people will develop premature graying sooner than darker individuals. The condition can affect anyone, causing a young person to look much older thanhe/she actually is. It varies considerably from person to person. In males graying first begins at the beard, moustache, side locks and temples, spreading to other parts of the head with time. Gray hair on the chest and pubic regiongenerally develop years later. In females it starts from scalp hair on sidelocks or vertex. While the graying of hair is an inevitable part of ageing and natural, premature graying is not.Graying becomes quite apparent due to rapid shedding of the thicker dark colored hairs and the enhanced growth of thinner white hairs. This shedding can take several months, though there are cases of ‘overnight graying’ caused by dramatic fallout of dark hairs have been reported.Attimes, a few gray hairs can develop in children, as young as 8 years and then it is generally progressive with increasing age. Those who have strong family history of graying. Going gray, by itself,does not mean you have a medical problem, except in rare cases listed below.
1. Hormonal imbalance,including Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
2. Malnutrition
3. Pernicious anemia
4. Nutritional deficiency such as Vitamin B-12 deficiency,copper, iron and iodine deficiency
5. Using electric dryers
6. Using concentrated hair dyes
7. Washing hair with ward water
8. Genetic disorders
9. Chemotherapy and radiation.
Treatments: Nutrition correction . Graying is irreversible. Correction of malnutrition can at least prevent graying.Your hair needs the following nourishment:
a) VitaminA - vitamin A is necessary for promoting a healthy scalp and gives glowto your hair. Include dark green vegetables , yellow fruits & vegetables in your diet.
b) Vitamin B - vitamin B regulates the secretion of oil, keepshair healthy & moisturized. Eat more of fresh green leafy vegetables,tomatoes, cereals, liver yogurt, bananas.
c) Minerals - minerals like zinc, iron & copper promote healthy hair. Food sources: zinc - green vegetables; iron - dried apricots,eggs, wheat & sunflower seeds; copper - egg yolk & whole grains.
d) Proteins - consuming more of protein gives your hair natural shine and good texture. Include more of sprouted whole grains, cereals,and soy in your diet.
Medical treatments however extensive research is still going on for treatment of premature graying.Calcium pantothenate , inositol,PABA, are given for the preventionof further graying. Topical tacrolimus , bouchi oil have been tried with somesuccess followed by sun exposure for 10 mins.