What causes white hair?
Disease description:
My friend said that she has started to have white hair recently, but she's only 20 years old. What causes hair to turn white?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
The main possible causes of hair whitening include the following:
1. Aging: As people age, melanocytes gradually decrease, leading to fading hair color and eventual whitening.
2. Malnutrition: Deficiencies in trace elements such as copper, iron, zinc, and nutrients like vitamin B12 may affect melanin synthesis.
3. Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of premature graying are more likely to experience early hair whitening.
4. Oxidative stress: Excessive free radicals in the body can damage melanocytes and accelerate the hair whitening process.
5. Medical conditions: Disorders such as thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause premature graying.
6. Excessive mental stress: Some individuals experiencing significant academic or work-related pressure, who remain in a state of high tension for prolonged periods, may suffer from poor sleep quality, which can lead to endocrine disorders and subsequently result in hair whitening.
There are various causes of hair whitening, and individual circumstances must be considered for accurate analysis.
