GRAY HAIRS

Dr. Bear,

My son is a new patient to your wonderful practice. He is five years old and has several strands of gray hair on his head already. He started with one when he was about three. Is this normal or a sign of a more serious illness? What can be done to prevent this? Is it related to a vitamin deficiency? My husband and the males on his side of the family started going bald in their 20's

Sincerely,
Gray Hair

Dear Gray Hair,
This gray hair is not related to baldness, but can be inherited in a separate gene. Is there a particular location, (like in the front of forehead??) for the gray hairs? Draw some sketches, or photograph if a large area, and discuss more with your doctor. He could call a specialist and ask more about it if he or she was unsure (there is a great pediatric dermatologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore).

Sincerely,
Dr. Bear