New Delhi: Most people who go grey early have nothing more to worry about than their appearance. Early greying makes a person look years older than the actual age and can be quite a concern and an embarrassment for people. The first onset of grey hair, or canities as it is medically referred to, and the speed at which people go grey varies considerably from person to person.
Most people actually start going grey in their late 20s but don't notice it immediately. Premature greying, for Indians, is defined as grey hair onset in the teens or alternatively 50 per cent or more, grey scalp hair before age 50.
The time and speed of grey hair onset is due in part to genetics, and early onset of grey hair can run in families. Occasionally, a few grey hairs can develop in children, even as young as eight years and generally develop with increasing age. The gradual development of grey hair occurs when melanocytes produce less pigment.
Melanocytes are the cells responsible for pigment formation in both the skin and hair. Grey hair is an optical illusion caused by the present of one white hair amongst other black hair. The greying first develops on the beard, moustache, side locks and/or at the temples. This greying may spread to other parts of the head with time.
Pre-Mature Greying As A Sign Of Disease
Very often, premature greying can be a sign of disease wherein the greying is not hereditary but is caused by an underlying disease. It can occur with a number of conditions, including hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism and pernicious anemia (greying of hair along with symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath and possibly chest pains), genetic disorders, Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Werner’s syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome are two such conditions, which can cause the hair to grey. Prematurely grey hair is often one of the earliest signs of Werner’s syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which usually presents in persons at about 20 years of age, but sometimes appears as early as eight years.
Homeopathy and pre-mature greying
With so many reasons attributed to hair losing its colour, it is important to find the underlying cause for the greying. Once this is done, the condition is best attended to by homeopathy.
It is often possible to reverse greying, particularly when it is caused due to an underlying ailment. However, in heredity cases, the greying cannot be reversed but can be effectively controlled.
Homeopathic medicines are constitutional and individually specific. They help to control further spread of grey hair by tackling the underlying cause. Along with the treatment, good dietary guidance is also a must.
Remember, one rose does not a summer make. In other words, you are more than just your hair, grey or not.
For health queries write in to [email protected] or consult specialists at Dr Batra's Positive Health Clinics at 22816516, 32962231 or SMS DB to 6767.
Remedies are indicative. To be taken under medical supervision only.
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