What causes white hair to appear at the temples?

Apr 09, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
White hair appearing at the temples may be caused by factors such as aging, poor emotional health, nutritional anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, or vitiligo. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, avoid frequent use of heat styling tools such as hair dryers and curling irons, as these may accelerate hair aging.

Generally speaking, white hair appearing at the temples may be caused by factors such as aging, negative emotions, nutritional anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, or vitiligo. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a professional physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Aging: With increasing age, melanocyte function in scalp hair follicles gradually weakens and the number of melanocytes decreases, which can lead to reduced melanin production and result in the aforementioned phenomenon. This is a relatively normal physiological process and does not require special treatment.

2. Negative Emotions: Prolonged anxiety, depression, or other negative emotional states can easily affect the body's endocrine system, reducing melanin production and leading to white hair at the temples. It is recommended to relax through socializing, traveling, or other stress-relieving activities, which may help alleviate symptoms.

3. Nutritional Anemia: This may be related to deficiencies in nutrients such as iron or folic acid, which can impair normal hair growth and pigment synthesis, resulting in white hair at the temples, fatigue, and pallor. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and take medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, vitamin B12, or ferrous gluconate tablets for treatment.

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition is usually caused by excessive stress or improper skincare. When present, it may damage scalp hair follicles, causing whitening of hair at the temples, along with itching and redness. Patients should use medications such as acetate dexamethasone cream, halometasone cream, or desonide cream under a doctor’s guidance to improve symptoms.

5. Vitiligo: This is often associated with decreased immunity or local trauma. After onset, it may lead to white hair and skin depigmented patches. Patients are advised to strictly follow medical advice and use medications such as bailing tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, or halometasone cream to relieve symptoms.

In daily life, avoid frequent use of heat-styling tools such as hair dryers and curling irons, as they may accelerate hair aging. Applying a heat protectant before using these tools can help reduce damage to the hair.