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e-ISSN: 2456-4435
AYURLINE
October-2020 | Vol. 04 th| Issue:5th
IJ–RIM
International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine

“REVIEW ON PREMATURE WHITE AND GREY HAIR IN CHILDREN.”

SURESH MAHAJAN*1, NAMRATA PATIL 2

PG Scholar1, Associate Professor2,

Department of Kaumarbhritya
D.Y. Patil School of Ayurveda, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, M. S. India

*Corresponding author: Email: mahajansuresh123@gmail.com; contact no.7718097706

ABSTRACT derivatives of the epidermis which assist

in thermoregulation, provide some
Skin and hair colour contribute
protection against injury, have sensory
significantly to our overall visual
appearance of person. The description of functions and sub serve various subtle
kesha and palitya is scattered in all the roles in social communication Hair is
treatises of ayurveda. In ayurveda
one of the vital parts of the body derived
premature greying of hair is called as
akalapalitya. The incidence of premature from ectoderm of skin, is protective
ageing along with akala palitya is on appendages on the body and considered
increase. These days the quality of hair
accessory structure of the integument along
products has degraded over the years.
This review has been undertaken to the with sebaceous glands, sweat glands and
various causes of greying hair in nails. Hair is made of protein and grows
children. out of follicles located within the surface

KEYWORDS: of the skin. The skin is modified in

different parts of the body to produce
Premature White Grey Hair, Kasha, hair. Hair on the top of the head is an
Palitya
important feature of the individual’s
physical appearance. Many people are
INTRODUCTION:
concerned about their hair style and
Hair (Pili) are filamentous,
about the density and color of the hair.
keratinized structures present over
As one ages, the melanin content in the
almost all the body surface and are

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hair reduces and hair starts becoming further in many branches. As per this
gray or white. This is completely normal reference one can conclude that there are
for an individual over the age of 40. innumerable hair follicles. In ashtang
Sometimes white hair develops in early hrudaya sharira sthan it has been
age. To maintain the health of the hair is mentioned that in intrauterine life at six
absolutely essential to create a picture of months after the period of bone
overall health. Just like face mirrors transformation (i.e. asthi dhatu pachan )
one’s health, hair too reflects health and the developing fetus starts developing
well-being. Premature graying may lead hair (fine hair or lanugo hair) along with
as an important cause of developing low snayu (ligaments ), sira (vessels), bala
self-esteem in children. (strength), varna (colour),nakha ( nail),
Palitya generally happens in twacha (skin). Acharya charak in sharir
old age and pittaj prakriti purush. sthan states that during seventh month
Nowadays, premature greying of hair is a the mother feels heart burn due to
common cosmetic problem affecting production of hair (on the head) of the
young population. foetus.
Certain dietary habits,
behavioral life style and psychological Kesha and sharir dosh sambhanda
causes influence premature graying of Vata dosha aashrayee is related to aasthi
hair. This article highlights the causes of dathu aashraya. Vata dosha is
premature graying of hair in children. responsible for krushnavarnata(black
color to hair).vitiation of kaphadosha
Ayurvedic perspective of hair: leads to obstruct nourishment pathway of
hairs. Due to lack of nourishment hairs
The description of kesha and palitya is becomes gray. Vitiation of pitta & rasa
scattered in all the treatises of ayurveda. leads into premature gray hairs.
The hairs present over the scalp surface
are called as chikur, kuntal, baal, kacha, CAUSES:
kesha, shiroruha. Acharya charaka has
enumerated total human hair is 29956. While there are many reasons for white
He further stated that the number of hair in childhood, most can be treated
kesha, shmashru and loma are equal. and cured. A few of the most common
Acharya sushruta believes that there are causes of white hair in children are stated
4 oblique dhamanies, which are divided below.

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 Genetics: The most common cause of and UV rays may also be responsible
premature graying of hair in children for gray and white hair at a young age.
is genetics. Genes is one factor for These external factors could cause
premature gray hairs. oxidative stress leading to premature
 Loss of pigmentation of hair is a greying of hair
symptom of several disorders, like  Use of Synthetic Soaps and Shampoos:
vitiligo and piebaldism. Melanin is the The synthetic soaps and shampoos that
pigment responsible for the colour of children use today can make their hair
the skin and hair. rough and even cause graying of hair.
 Deficiency: A deficiency of Vitamin Different types of oils (chemical oils),
B12 in the body can also result in the shampoos, soaps and pharmaceutical
premature graying of hair in children. promotions in the name of beauty
Vitamin B12 is not found in enough products for promoting hair care
quantities in a vegetarian diet, so actually contributes to worsen the
children following a vegetarian diet are condition.
at a higher risk of developing this  Intake of iodine: Ensure that iodine
condition. intake is adequate. It should be
 Anaemia: Iron deficiency can result consume it in moderation – too much
in anemia, which results in fatigue and or too less of it can affect the thyroid
whitening of the hair in children. gland and result in premature graying
Pernicious anemia can also cause of hair.
premature graying of hair in children. DISCUSSION:
 Menkes hair syndrome and  Hair color is determined by pigment
Kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition) can granules in hair follicles, wherein
also cause premature greying of hair. melanin synthesis is particularly
 Diet plays major role in development crucial.
of any disorder.  Premature graying occurs in some
 Environmental factors: Although the children due to a variety of factors.
primary cause of premature hair The most common factors associated
greying (PHG) is considered to be with grey hair in children are heredity
genetic, certain environmental factors and nutrition.
also play a role. Some external factors  The hair care products we use today
such as stress, exposure to pollution are not what they used to be some

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years ago. Use of baby shampoo for  Premature greying occurs in some children
child, as it contains extracts of due to a variety of factors. The most
vitamins and minerals in it can be common factors associated with grey hair
helpful. Also opt for herbal shampoos in children are heredity and nutrition.
to wash baby’s hair may help.
 Classical texts of Ayurveda describe REFERENCES:
daily regimen for the maintenance of 1. Charaka Samhita With Ayurved
healthy hair in tune with seasonal Dipika By Chakrapani Yadavji
Trikmaji Acharya
variations in terms of Dinacharya and
Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan 5th
Rutucharya which include procedures Edition 2001
like Nasya, Moordni taila, Snana etc. 2. Burford, Michelle (August 2009).
"Gray Hair Myths And Facts". Aol
 The only effective treatment for
Health. Retrieved August 2009
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CONCLUSION
Raghunatha S.
 To keep the healthy hair in a healthy 4. Textbook Of Paediatric Dermatology.
state is beneficial at every stage of India: Jaypee ; 2009. P. 303-304.
5. "Understanding Genetics: Human
life.
Health And The Genome". Retrieved
 Hair greying or Palitya is a physiological 2011-07-2
phenomenon if it occurs after the mid- 6. Tobin Dj. Human Hair Pigmentation-
Biological Aspects. Int J Cosmet Sci.
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Conflict of Interest: Non Source of funding: Nil

Cite this article:
“Review on premature white and grey hair in children.”
Suresh Mahajan, Namrata Patil
Ayurline: International Journal of Research In Indian Medicine 2020;4(5): 01-04

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