Which department should I visit for white hair?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no specific department that should be visited for gray hair. Gray hair can be addressed by visiting departments such as dermatology, endocrinology, traditional Chinese medicine, nutrition, or psychosomatic medicine. In daily life, it is recommended to consume more foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and trace elements, such as black sesame seeds, wolfberries, and Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum), which may help improve hair color.
Generally speaking, there is no specific department that should be visited specifically for gray hair. Gray hair concerns can be addressed by visiting departments such as dermatology, endocrinology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nutrition, or psychosomatic medicine. If there are accompanying discomfort symptoms, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dermatology
If gray hair is accompanied by abnormal scalp conditions, such as dandruff, itching, or redness, or if the distribution of gray hair is specific—for example, patchy areas—it may be related to skin diseases such as vitiligo or piebaldism. In such cases, a visit to the dermatology department for detailed examination is recommended. Dermatologists will focus on the health status of the skin and its appendages and provide professional diagnosis.
2. Endocrinology
If the individual with gray hair experiences excessive mental stress, irregular sleep patterns, or frequently stays up late, this may be related to endocrine system dysfunction. The endocrinology department can perform tests such as sex hormone level testing and thyroid function assessment to establish a clear diagnosis.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
The occurrence of gray hair may be related to factors such as deficiency of qi and blood or insufficiency of liver and kidney function. These conditions can be improved through TCM treatments. TCM physicians will perform diagnosis using methods such as visual examination, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation, and may prescribe herbal medicine, acupuncture, or massage therapy as treatment plans.
4. Nutrition
If gray hair is accompanied by symptoms such as poor appetite or weight loss, it may be caused by malnutrition. Nutritionists will perform nutritional risk screening and nutritional assessment, and provide personalized dietary guidance.
5. Psychosomatic Medicine
If an individual with gray hair remains in a state of anxiety or tension for a prolonged period, this may cause sympathetic nerve excitement, thus affecting melanocyte synthesis and triggering gray hair. In such cases, consultation with the psychosomatic medicine department is advisable. Doctors will provide psychological counseling and lifestyle guidance.
In daily life, it is recommended to consume more foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and trace elements, such as black sesame seeds, Lycium barbarum (wolfberry), and Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-ti), which may help improve hair color.
