HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Premature Greying Of Hair

default
Posted on Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Question: Hello, I am XXXX
I am 24 yrs old, I am getting grey hairs that has covered most of my scalp.
Can you suggest me the best medicine for reversing them to my original colour?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Treatment for premature canites; visit a dermatologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query.

The first onset of grey hair and the speed at which people go grey varies from person to person.

Most people actually start going grey in their late 20's but they don't notice it immediately Or is not to a bothersome extent.
"Premature greying" is defined as grey hair onset before late teens for Caucasians and before age 30 in Africans and Asians.

The most common areas on the scalp in which to first see grey hair development are above the ears OR at the temples. The greying of hairs then spreads to other areas.

The color of hair mainly relies on the presence or absence of melanin pigment. It has been shown that grey hair has undergone a marked reduction in melanogenically active melanocytes in the hair follicle.

A role is postulated for environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, smoking, deficiency of trace elements and nutritional deficiencies in the causation of premature greying.
Studies have shown a relation between premature graying of hair and low S. Ferritin, S. Calcium and vit D3 levels.
However, premature graying of hair occurs more commonly without any underlying pathology and is said to be mostly inherited.

Currently available treatment options are limited but are worth the indication;
in those who develop considerable grey hairs before 30 years of age: Para aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and Calcium pantothenate are well known treatments and are known to arrest and even reverse premature greying.
The recommended dose is 100 mg thrice daily.

Topical 1% Melitane is a new molecule that has recently become available for premature greying of hair.
It is available as a gel and needs to be applied once daily (2ml) at night at the roots.

These are all prescription medicines, therefore, I would suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region for a prescription.

Treatment is long term and it is important to give a fair trial for 6 months before deciding on future course of action, whether they are going to be effective or not.

The treatment might not reverse all the hair back to black color or they may just arrest further progression, but they are worth the indication.

Hope this helps you in getting a solution to your problem

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Premature Greying Of Hair

Brief Answer: Treatment for premature canites; visit a dermatologist Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query. The first onset of grey hair and the speed at which people go grey varies from person to person. Most people actually start going grey in their late 20's but they don't notice it immediately Or is not to a bothersome extent. "Premature greying" is defined as grey hair onset before late teens for Caucasians and before age 30 in Africans and Asians. The most common areas on the scalp in which to first see grey hair development are above the ears OR at the temples. The greying of hairs then spreads to other areas. The color of hair mainly relies on the presence or absence of melanin pigment. It has been shown that grey hair has undergone a marked reduction in melanogenically active melanocytes in the hair follicle. A role is postulated for environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, smoking, deficiency of trace elements and nutritional deficiencies in the causation of premature greying. Studies have shown a relation between premature graying of hair and low S. Ferritin, S. Calcium and vit D3 levels. However, premature graying of hair occurs more commonly without any underlying pathology and is said to be mostly inherited. Currently available treatment options are limited but are worth the indication; in those who develop considerable grey hairs before 30 years of age: Para aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and Calcium pantothenate are well known treatments and are known to arrest and even reverse premature greying. The recommended dose is 100 mg thrice daily. Topical 1% Melitane is a new molecule that has recently become available for premature greying of hair. It is available as a gel and needs to be applied once daily (2ml) at night at the roots. These are all prescription medicines, therefore, I would suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region for a prescription. Treatment is long term and it is important to give a fair trial for 6 months before deciding on future course of action, whether they are going to be effective or not. The treatment might not reverse all the hair back to black color or they may just arrest further progression, but they are worth the indication. Hope this helps you in getting a solution to your problem Regards