What Causes White Hairs On The Eyebrows Of A Child?

Posted on Thu, 1 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Sep 2016 Answered on

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : This is about our son, who is 11. Half of his eyebrow turned white a few months ago. Is this something to be concerned about? He is pretty healthy otherwise. I'll attach a photo.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cause for concern.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking back once again on HealthcareMagic.

I remember your query. I have checked the attached image. Our skin and hair get the dark color from melanin, a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. If due to some reason the melanocytes do not function properly, such lack of pigmentation can occur. The primary possibility to consider is vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that can be treated and kept in control. The secondary possibility is a certain type of fungal infection which again can be treated and kept in control. In either cases you should see a dermatologist who could examine it more carefully and administer suitable treatment.

I would not insist you to ignore it.

Feel free to write back to me.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D