Marfan's Syndrome With White Forelock of Hair

Marfan syndrome is a congenital disease that has a number of symptoms. A white forelock has been claimed as a symptom enough that a study was performed at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania to see if there really is a connection between having a white forelock of hair and Marfan syndrome.

Marfan Syndrome

• Marfan syndrome is a disease of the connective tissue that maintains and strengthens the structures of the body. Marfan syndrome affects the skin, the eye and the aorta (the largest artery in the body). Marfan syndrome also causes the longer bones in the body to grow too much. Most Marfan syndrome is inherited, though 30 percent of cases have no family history at all. Marfan syndrome can cause serious eye and heart problems if left untreated.

Symptoms

• Marfan syndrome can cause a hole in the iris of the eye, dislocation of the lens from the rest of the eye, decreased muscle tone, flat feet, curvature of the spine and elongated arms, legs and fingers.

White Forelock

• A white forelock of hair has been argued to be a symptom of Marfan syndrome so often that a test was performed at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania to see if there was a connection. No connection was found between Marfan syndrome and having a white forelock.

Other Causes

• While Marfan syndrome probably does not cause white forelocks, there are other reasons for a section of the hair to turn white. Poliosis, the term for a white lock of hair, can occur for no apparent reason at all. It can also be connected to thyroid conditions or decreased activity of the gonads. A white forelock can also be caused by a disturbance in the pigment of the eye, which may explain the connection to Marfan syndrome, which causes severe eye conditions.

Treatment

• Marfan syndrome cannot be prevented or treated, as it is a genetic disorder. However, medication may be needed to slow the heart rate and help the heart in general. Any eye problems should be dealt with as quickly as possible. If you also have a white forelock you should consult your doctor, as it may be a symptom of a more serious problem.