What are the causes of white hair?
Apr 03, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
In general, the causes of white hair may include aging, excessive mental stress, hyperthyroidism, vitiligo, and albinism. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, regularly massaging the scalp in daily life can promote blood circulation, increase the supply of nutrients, and support hair health and melanin production.
Generally, the causes of white hair may include aging, excessive mental stress, hyperthyroidism, vitiligo, and albinism. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical treatment immediately. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Aging: As people age, the number and function of melanocytes in hair follicles usually decrease gradually, causing hair to lose its color progressively. This is a natural aging process that typically begins in middle age and worsens with advancing age.
2. Excessive mental stress: Prolonged high levels of mental stress may impair blood circulation, thereby affecting nutrient supply to hair follicles and accelerating the development of white hair. It is recommended to relieve stress through relaxing activities such as walking, listening to music, or reading.
3. Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by an overactive metabolism, which may interfere with the growth and distribution of melanin in hair follicles, leading to premature graying. In such cases, white hair is usually not the only symptom; patients may also exhibit other signs of hyperthyroidism. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as Xiaokuli Granules, Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets, or Xiao Jin Pills to manage the condition.
4. Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, resulting in loss of pigment in the skin and hair. White hair may be one manifestation of vitiligo and is often not limited to the scalp—white patches may appear throughout the body. Under medical guidance, medications such as Methoxsalen Tablets, Qu Bai Ba Bu Qi Tablets, or Bai Ling Tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.
5. Albinism: Albinism is a genetic disorder that causes partial or complete loss of pigmentation in the skin and hair. Individuals with albinism typically have completely white hair rather than scattered gray strands. As directed by a physician, oral medications such as Transfer Factor Capsules, Thymopeptin Enteric-coated Tablets, or Methylprednisolone Tablets may help control the condition.
In daily life, regularly massaging the scalp can promote blood circulation, enhance nutrient delivery, and support healthy hair growth and melanin production.
