What are the causes of white hair at the temples in a 40-year-old?

Generally speaking, white hair at the temples in a 40-year-old may be caused by factors such as aging, genetics, malnutrition, diabetes, vitiligo, and others. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Aging: As people age, the function of melanocytes in hair follicles may gradually decline, leading to reduced melanin production and resulting in white hair at the temples. This is a normal physiological aging process and does not require excessive concern.

2. Genetics: Genetic factors also play an important role in hair graying. If premature graying runs in the family, the likelihood of developing white hair at the temples around age 40 increases accordingly. This is also considered a relatively normal physiological phenomenon and generally does not warrant significant concern.

3. Malnutrition: Long-term malnutrition or an unbalanced diet may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and copper, which are crucial for the normal function of melanocytes. Deficiencies in these nutrients can impair melanin synthesis, thereby causing white hair at the temples. It is recommended to consume more foods rich in vitamin B12, folic acid, and copper, such as spinach, pork liver, and celery, which may help alleviate symptoms.

4. Diabetes: Diabetes may be associated with factors such as sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Once developed, the condition may disrupt normal metabolic processes in the body, affecting melanin production and distribution, thus contributing to white hair at the temples. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions when using medications such as insulin aspart injection, insulin degludec injection, and orlistat capsules to manage symptoms.

5. Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a pigment-loss skin disorder characterized by white patches on the skin. When vitiligo affects the scalp, it may lead to white hair at the temples. Contributing factors include genetics and autoimmune conditions. Symptoms include depigmented skin patches and whitening of hair. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, halometasone cream, and tacrolimus ointment for treatment.

In daily life, avoiding frequent hair dyeing, minimizing chemical exposure, maintaining a positive mood, reducing mental stress, and regularly massaging the scalp may help improve blood circulation and alleviate related symptoms.