Which department should I visit at the hospital for white hair?

In general, if you want to seek medical advice for premature graying of hair, you can make an appointment with the dermatology department, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) department, or endocrinology department, depending on the underlying cause.

1. Dermatology Department

Hair is an accessory organ of the skin, and diseases affecting the skin and its appendages fall within the scope of dermatology. If white hair results from conditions such as vitiligo, piebaldism, or achromic nevus—conditions that cause a lack of melanin in hair follicles—you should visit the dermatology department at a hospital.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Department

Premature graying is often related to genetic factors, but it may also result from serious deficiencies such as kidney deficiency, insufficiency of the liver and kidneys, or depletion of qi and blood. According to TCM principles, these imbalances can lead to hair whitening. After syndrome differentiation, treatment with Chinese herbal medicine may be prescribed, possibly combined with acupuncture, massage, or other TCM therapies. Therefore, individuals experiencing premature graying can consult the TCM department.

3. Endocrinology Department

Premature graying can also be associated with certain endocrine disorders. Excessive mental stress, irregular sleep patterns, and frequent late-night activities may disrupt the body's endocrine balance, affecting pigment-producing cells and leading to reduced pigment production, thus causing white hair. In such cases, visiting the endocrinology department for evaluation and treatment is recommended.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as going to bed early, waking up early, and avoiding staying up late, can help improve symptoms of premature graying.