Magnitude and contributing factors responsible for premature greying of hair: A cross-sectional study

The magnitude of PGH and identify modifiable and non-modifiable contributing factors in an academic medical setting is of interest. We recruited 520 consecutive dermatology out-patients. PGH was defined as the presence of ≥5 grey hairs before age 25 in Asians. Nearly one in four young adults attending our teaching hospital had PGH. Genetic predisposition, modifiable lifestyle factors and correctable micronutrient deficiencies independently influenced risk. Thus, we report early behavioural and nutritional interventions integrated into student-health clinics could attenuate the psychosocial burden of PGH.