Grey hair in children

[ddowdeswell]

My isx year old daughter has a grey patch on her head about the size of a one pence piece. It is about an inch in length. Can anyone tell me what it is or what could have caused it? Thankyou!

[David H]

I'm not sure it matters how long the patch has been there, but small white areas are rare but genetic, and in the few people I know who had them, didn't mean the rest of their hair will go grey early. It's quite natural, and nothing to worry about, but if you're concerned your doctor will put your mind at rest.

[nicrite]

We did about this at school about three years ago so forgive me if I get the name a bit wrong, but from what I can remember it's called white forelock. It is a common condition and is more likely to affect women than men. It's genetic, meaning that either you or your husband is a carrier of this gene (only one of you needs to be a carrier for it as its a dominant condition). Lots of people have it to some degree so if she starts to get self conscious tell her not to worry!

[StevieBoy]

My best friend has three of these. It's brought about by a blood disorder. It's completely harmless and very rare. If you like I could get more info or find the name of the expert he has dealt with. He panicked at first ( going grey at 20 etc). but rest assured it is harmless. Ask your doctor to recommend a consultant haemotologist. Not sure about the hereditary thing?!?

[melandraf]

...there used to be a girl in my class at school with a grey patch like the one you mention only a little larger. Her Mum had the same but her two sisters did not. It looked unusual as her hair was very dark but she was proud to be like her Mum.