Why do men grow white hair? Clinical manifestations of premature graying of hair

The color of hair is determined by the amount of pigment particles in the hair, which is related to the development and growth of the pigment cells in the hair root papilla. When hair turns from black to white, it is generally because the function of the hair pigment cells declines. When the decline reaches the point where pigment particles can no longer be produced, the hair turns completely white. Normal people's hair pigment cells begin to decline at the age of 35. Some people have white hair in their 20s, which is medically called juvenile gray hair, commonly known as "premature gray hair".

The causes of premature graying of hair are rather complex , and are related to both genetic and physical factors as well as various acquired factors.

Congenital premature graying of hair. The most common type of premature graying of hair is often seen in people with a family history of this condition. They are often born with gray hair or their hair turns gray earlier than others. In addition, there are no other abnormal manifestations.

Acquired premature graying of hair. There are many causes:

1. Malnutrition, such as lack of protein, vitamins and certain trace elements (such as copper), will cause hair to turn white;

2. Certain chronic wasting diseases such as tuberculosis, due to nutritional deficiencies, will cause hair to turn gray earlier than normal people;

3. Some patients with long-term fever may have yellow, brittle or even white hair that falls off;

4. Some endocrine diseases, such as pituitary or thyroid diseases, can affect the ability of pigment cells to produce pigment granules and cause premature graying of hair;

5. Encephalitis, nervous system diseases, etc. can also cause hair to turn white;

6. Whitening skin disease - "Vitiligo", if it occurs on the scalp, the hair will also turn white;

7. Some people believe that the more you use your brain, the earlier your hair will turn gray.

8. People with albinism have white skin, hair, and eyebrows;

9. Some young people have a lot of white hair in a short period of time, which is related to severe mental trauma such as excessive anxiety, sadness, or mental fatigue.

Clinical manifestations of premature graying of hair

1. Onset in adolescence or young adulthood.

2. Initially, there are a few sparsely scattered white hairs, most of which first appear on the back or top of the scalp, mixed in with the black hair and appear gray.

3. Afterwards, the number of white hairs may increase gradually or suddenly, but not all of them will turn white. Some people may have white hair for a long time without increasing.

4. Generally no conscious symptoms.

5. Sudden onset may be related to nutritional disorders.

6. For some patients, the number of gray hairs decreases or even disappears unnoticed after the inducing factors are eliminated.

7. Some people's beards even turn white, which Chinese medicine calls premature graying of beard and hair.