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Is it Normal for a Child to Have Gray Hair?

Thursday, October 15, 2009
Related Tags: gray | anemia | hyperthyroidism | child | vitamin
 

Instructions

  • Step 1:
    Graying hair is usually associated with getting older.

Genetics

  • Step 1:
    Gray hairs in children may be the result of their hereditary maturation schedule. Others in the child's family will likely have had premature gray hairs if this is the case.

Vitamin B12

  • Step 1:
    Lack of vitamin B12 iis a common cause of gray hair in children. A simple blood test can determine if this vitamin deficiency is the cause of your child's gray hairs.

Anemia

  • Step 1:
    Some forms of anemia can be the cause of gray hair in children. A blood test will reveal anemia.

Thyroid

  • Step 1:
    Gray hair can be caused by hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism reduces melanocyte activity, which produces hair color.

Treatment

  • Step 1:
    See your pediatrician to check for causes of your child's gray hair. Chemical or vegetable rinses and dyes can be used to mask the graying.

Resources


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