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Information on Premature Graying in Children

When a child sprouts gray hair, she is experiencing premature graying, or canities. According to Alan Greene, a professor, pediatrician and proprietor of DrGreene.com, the cause could be a symptom of an underlying condition, disorder or disease. Because of this, parents should always seek medical advice if their child develops gray hair. Depending upon the diagnosis, premature graying can be slowed or stopped.

  1. Why Hair Turns Gray

    • Gray hair results from the decreased activity of melanocytes, which are cells within the hair follicles; a complete absence of melanocytes results in white hair. Caucasians experience a decrease in the activity of melanocytes earlier than other racial groups. Fair-haired Caucasians develop gray hair at the same rate as those with darker hair, though it is more noticeable in those with dark hair.

    Inherited Trend

    • According to an article by pediatrician Jennifer Shu, posted on CNNHealth.com in May 2009, premature graying in children tends to be inherited, and in small amounts (a few strands) it usually isn't cause for alarm.

    Common Causes

    • Alopecia areata, a loss of hair within a small area, affects 1 percent of the population, usually children. Hair can grow back gray until pigmentation eventually returns to the follicles.

      A deficiency of vitamin B-12 is also a common cause. The deficiency can be from a diet lacking B-12, or from a medical condition that inhibits absorption of the vitamin.

    Other Causes

    • Some forms of anemia, in which there aren't enough red blood cells to provide adequate oxygen to the tissues, can cause premature graying, as can thyroid disorders. Other uncommon but possible causes of premature gray hair can include vitiligo, tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis and Waardenburg syndrome, according to Drs. Shu and Greene.

    Diagnosis

    • Dr. Greene states that there are three steps involved in diagnosing the possible cause of premature graying in children: a detailed family history to determine whether any relatives experienced premature graying; a physical examination; and a series of blood tests to determine whether the child has a vitamin deficiency, anemia or a thyroid condition.

    Treatment

    • Premature graying should stop with the effective treatment of an underlying condition.

      For children experiencing premature graying without a known cause and who are self-conscious about their condition, Dr. Greene suggests using a vegetable-based hair dye, as studies have linked chemical dyes to various forms of skin cancer.

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