Serum levels of lead and selenium in patients with premature graying of the hair

Abstract Background The exact etiology of premature hair graying (PHG) remains unknown; however, oxidative stress is shown to be involved. Selenium, as an antioxidant, is widely known for its antiaging potentials. Moreover, PGH is more prevalent among addicts and because Lead is a common impurity found in illegal drug. Aims We evaluated the serum levels of lead and selenium in patients with PHG and compared it with a control group . Patients/Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 60 patients referred to Dermatology Clinic of Imam‐Reza Hospital of Mashhad, Iran in 2015 were evaluated in two groups with and without PHG. Demographic information and disease characteristics, skin phenotype, and family history of PHG were recorded. Furthermore, 5 mL of brachial blood was drawn for measuring selenium and lead levels. Results The mean patients' age was 28.1 ± 4.8 years. Age, sex, occupation, and skin phenotype in individuals with and without PHG were not significantly different ( P > .05) but family history of PHG was significantly higher in the patients with PHG ( P = .001). Similarly, the number of white hairs was significantly higher ( P < .001), and the age of onset of hair graying was significantly lower in patients with PHG ( P < .001). Serum levels of selenium and lead were not significantly different between two groups ( P < .05). However, the serum levels of lead in the patients with PHG were slightly higher. Conclusions The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference in lead and selenium serum levels in patients with and without PHG.