Premature Graying of Hair: Risk Factors, Co-Morbid Conditions, Pharmacotherapy and Reversal—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

July 2020 in “ Dermatologic therapy ”

Saniya Mahendiratta, Phulen Sarma, Hardeep Kaur, Sukhdeep Kaur, Harpinder Kaur, Seema Bansal, Davinder Prasad, Manisha Prajapat, Sujata Upadhay, Subodh Kumar, Harish Kumar, Rahul Singh, Ashutosh Singh, Abhishek Mishra, Ajay Prakash, Bikash Medhi

TLDR Premature graying of hair is linked to various health issues and can sometimes be reversed by treating underlying conditions.

The systematic review and meta-analysis on premature graying of hair (PGH) identified several risk factors, including smoking, vitamin deficiencies (B12, folic acid, B7), mineral deficiencies (low serum calcium and ferritin), family history, obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, certain drugs, genetic syndromes, dyslipidemia, thyroid disorders, hyperuricemia, and liver function alterations. PGH was also noted as a significant marker for coronary artery disease, especially in smokers. Pharmacotherapeutic options such as calcium pantothenate, PABA, and their combination received low-grade recommendations (2A), while Anu-tailam was the only herbal agent evaluated in clinical settings. Treating associated pathologies often led to the reversal of PGH. The authors declared no conflict of interest.

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