4 Causes of gray hair in children, plus how to overcome them

The appearance of gray hair is a sign that a person is no longer young. However, if this condition occurs in children, as parents you are certainly worried. Although included in rare cases, this condition can occur in children. To overcome this, of course you have to know the cause. What are the causes of gray hair in children? Find out the answer below.

Various causes of gray hair in children

As we get older, melanocytes stop producing. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin and hair its color. The less melanin is, the hair will turn gray and eventually turn white. This condition is normal in adults, but can also appear in children.

Some of the causes of gray hair in children that parents need to know, include:

1. Genetic

One of the factors that cause hair color change to gray or white in children is genetic factors. Children who have a family history of graying earlier are usually at higher risk of premature graying than normal children.

2. Having certain diseases

Reporting from Livestrong, there are several diseases that can cause changes in hair color. Along with the symptoms of gray hair, children may show other symptoms such as seizures, hearing loss, and tumors. Some of these diseases are:

Vitiligo, a disease that causes the skin's ability to produce melanin to be impaired. Apart from changes in hair color, white patches can appear on the body.
Graves' disease or Hashimoto's disease, which is a disease that causes the thyroid to work abnormally; to be more active or less active.
Waardenburg tuberous sclerosis syndrome and neurofibromatosis, which are diseases that can cause pigmentation in the hair to disappear.

3. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is needed by the body so that the nervous system can work properly. In addition, this vitamin also maintains healthy hair, skin, nails, and the production of DNA and RNA in the body. This vitamin can be found easily in foods such as fish, shellfish, meat and dairy products.

Research shows that a change in hair color in a child can be a sign that the child is deficient in vitamin B12. Apart from food intake, this condition is prone to occur in children who have undergone major surgery. Their stomachs may not function properly and fail to absorb the vitamin B12 present in food.

4. Exposure to hazardous chemicals

In addition to the factors that exist in the child's body, the use of hair care products or exposure to smoke from cigarettes can also cause graying in children. Various chemicals contained in products such as shampoo, can make hair rough, dry, and damaged. Over time, the hair can be damaged and lead to the appearance of gray hair.

Exposure to secondhand smoke is not only harmful to the respiratory tract, but also has a negative impact on hair health. High exposure to cigarette smoke can cause oxidative stress and reduce melanin production.

How to deal with children who experience premature graying?

Coping with a child with a condition like this must be in accordance with the cause. So, the condition of the hair or the health of the child's body will get better. Some of the ways you can support the health of your child's hair include:

Follow the treatment and medication procedures as recommended by your doctor if your gray hair is caused by a medical problem.
Fulfill children's nutritional needs with nutritious food; rich in vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and protein.
Avoid children from exposure to cigarette smoke, especially if there are family members who smoke.
Choose hair care products that are appropriate for the child's age. Avoid products that use parabens or phthalates which are harmful to children's health.

Reporting from Mom Junction, there are home remedies with easy ingredients to help improve children's hair health, such as:

Using aloe vera. The trick is to apply aloe vera sap gently to the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Then, rinse your hair using cool, running water. Use the medicine that has been given by the doctor.
Using black tea. The trick is to put the tea leaves into boiling water and strain the tea. Then, massage the child's scalp with the tea leaves and leave it on for an hour. Rinse with cold water without using shampoo.
Using a mixture of almond oil with a squeeze of lemon juice. The trick is to mix the two ingredients and apply gently to the child's scalp and hair. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning with cold water.