Most people associate turning gray with getting older. Yet gray hair can be something even young children contend with. Although not common, the premature development of gray hair in kids should not cause panic; it's rarely associated with serious medical conditions. However, if you have noticed some gray hair growth on your child, it's important to find out what may be the underlying cause.
Hair Color
Hair color is determined by melanin, a chemical produced in hair follicles' pigment cells. Melanin is also the chemical that determines skin color. When pigment cells die, the amount of melanin produced drops. This causes hair to lose its original color and appear gray, silver or white. Although an increased number of pigment cells die as you grow older, some people start to develop gray hair much earlier in their lives.
Normal Graying
While turning gray during childhood is rare, it is not always caused by an illness or other medical condition. In fact, if early gray hair development runs in your family, your child may have gray hair due to heredity. If your child is otherwise healthy, the premature graying simply means that the pigment cells in the hair follicles have stopped producing melanin.
Abnormal Premature Graying
It's important to rule out any other causes of premature graying if you notice it in your child. Early development of gray hair can signal a vitamin B12 deficiency or anemia, reports the MayoClinic.com Health Library. It's also associated with alopecia areata, vitiligo and thyroid dysfunction. Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin lightens in patches, eventually becoming white due to the loss of melanin. Graying of the hair on the head and face is a possible sign.
Treatment
Take your child to a pediatrician or dermatologist when you notice the development of premature graying. The physician can perform an exam and order tests to determine if any vitamin deficiencies or medical conditions are causing the gray hair. If a health problem is present, treatment will center on dealing with that particular condition. However, illnesses such as alopecia areata and vitiligo have no cure. Medical treatment will be focused on managing symptoms in these cases.
Providing Support
Whether your child's hair is turning gray due to genes or a medical condition, providing emotional support is vital. Due to its rareness, children who gray early may be embarrassed or ashamed. They may also face teasing from their peers. Be sure to talk with your child about what is causing this unexpected physical change and how to improve self-confidence. Consider consulting a cosmetologist who may be able to identify hairstyles that reduce the visibility of the gray hair or recommend hair coloring options.
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