Abstract

Dr. Pramila Kumari, Dr. Devendra Yadav*, Dr. Kapil Vyas, Dr. Anita Vijay, Dr. Mukesh Kumar and
Dr. Asha Nyati

ABSTRACT

Background: Once considered as a mundane disorder, premature graying of hair has immerged out as interesting disorder among dermatologists and patients. Aims: To study the clinico-epidemiological profile of premature graying of hair in Hadoti region of Rajasthan and to lookout its systemic associations. Material and Methods: In an epidemiological, case control study, a detailed history of age of onset, pattern, progression and family history of graying were recorded. Age and sex matched controls were compared to lookout associations of premature graying with atopic diathesis, family history, sedentary lifestyle and lipid abnormalities. Results: A total of 200 cases and 200 controls (male: female= 3:2) were enrolled, with mean age of case group was 13.14±3.5 years and, of the control group was 13.67 ± 2.35 years. The mean duration of premature graying of hair presenting to hospital was 18.54±10.95 months. The most common pattern of graying was vertex with least common being parieto-temporal pattern. There was statistically significant association of premature graying of hair seen with atopic diathesis, sedentary lifestyle, irregular food habits and positive family history. In lipid profile parameters, serum levels of HDL were significantly low in case group. Limitations: small sample size, micronutrients profile were not assessed. Conclusion: Besides defining epidemiological characteristics of premature graying, current study has thrown light to its distribution according to age group, an association with atopic diathesis, sedentary lifestyle and irregular food habits which have been driven as statistically significant unlike the case of previous studies.