Expert: Peter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> - 10/13/2006

Question
My 7 year old has about 5 strands scattered out of grey hair. His hair is a medium brown color. It looks as if his hairs is turning lighter in different areas. As if its going from Dark, medium light then white. Don't know if its normal. Know has had early greying.

Answer
Unfortunately there is no medical treatment for this. A recent medical journal article pointed out there are at least eight genes responsible for grey hair and no one knows why they shut off the pigment production. We do not know the cause of premature grey hairs nor a medical treatment of it.
 If more widespread spots of loss of color are noted in the hairs or the skin then he should be examined by a dermatologist to determine if this is early vitiligo or some other rare disorder of pigmentation.