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What Causes Greying Of Hair While Treating Vitiligo Around Eyes And Penis?

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Posted on Fri, 17 Apr 2015
Question: Seeing an increase in grey hairs.
I have vitiligo around eyes and penile but not on scalp. Its the scalp where been noticing grey hairs over last year +. They are appearing randomly and not in a specific patch. Although I have had a small patch of grey since 15, again, it dosent seem to be vitiligo as derm didnt think so.
I drink 30-40 units of alcohol per week, and this is over 2 days. The other days I drink nothing to give liver a rest.
I've had a number of blood tests that cover numerous things. The mains things that didn't appear right were: cortisol level higher than range. DHEA higher than range. MCV higher than range (100).
As the MCV is higher and alcohol can over many years delete B vitamins I have since 3 months supplemented with a vitamin B complex. I am about to retest the levels to see if it has worked to bring down the level to normal.
I also wonder about copper and zinc as I have taken a suppelement which has 15mg zinc and 0.75mg copper - but I wonder if I could be deficent in on of these and making the balance worse by suppelemtning? Anyway to know about this?
My other symptoms:

Acne (on and off)
Nails becoming more rigid with lines vertical.
Anxiety (one and off)
Depression
Restless legs (iron levels were fine)
No sex drive or erections.

Please advise. I really want to get to the bottom of the symptoms and try to reverse the grey hairs unless its genetics (which I am doubting due to the other symptoms).
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Grey hair may be caused by alchohol consumption.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Both, vitiligo and alcohol consumption, can cause grey hair at young ages.

Vitiligo causes patches of grey hair, instead alcohol ( vitamin B12 low) causes scattered or dispersed grey hair.

Alcohol consumption lowers the B12 vitamin level needed for many processes in the body including normal hair coloration.

Low B12 level and folic acid is supposed and from high MCV value.

I think, your other symptoms are caused by these dysbalances.

You should stop drinking alcohol, have a healthy lifestyle and diet, exercise, in order to regulate microelements, ( electrolytes), cortisol, and improve your symptoms.

You should be tested for vitamin B12 level and other microelements ( electrolytes) before you take any supplements, so get tested and discuss with your primary care Doctor what to use and dosages.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4500 Questions

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What Causes Greying Of Hair While Treating Vitiligo Around Eyes And Penis?

Brief Answer: Grey hair may be caused by alchohol consumption. Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Both, vitiligo and alcohol consumption, can cause grey hair at young ages. Vitiligo causes patches of grey hair, instead alcohol ( vitamin B12 low) causes scattered or dispersed grey hair. Alcohol consumption lowers the B12 vitamin level needed for many processes in the body including normal hair coloration. Low B12 level and folic acid is supposed and from high MCV value. I think, your other symptoms are caused by these dysbalances. You should stop drinking alcohol, have a healthy lifestyle and diet, exercise, in order to regulate microelements, ( electrolytes), cortisol, and improve your symptoms. You should be tested for vitamin B12 level and other microelements ( electrolytes) before you take any supplements, so get tested and discuss with your primary care Doctor what to use and dosages. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.