Cure for grey hair is on its way say scientists
by Ralph Kratzer
Researchers are developing a treatment that finally gets to the root of the problem – and it can also be used on skin complaint vitiligo.
Doctors could soon have a cure for grey hair after experts found out why we lose colour.
While the likes of some men may look distinguished with their manes of silver, millions would be able to ditch the dye thanks to a topical treatment activated by the sun’s rays.
Biologist Gerald Weissmann said: “Numerous remedies have been concocted to hide grey hair but now, for the first time, an actual treatment that gets to the root of the problem has been developed.”
Experts found people go grey due to a build up of hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicle, causing it to bleach itself from the inside out.
The effect can be reversed by applying a compound called PC-KUB.
The team, including scientists from the University of Bradford, also found the treatment would work on the skin condition vitiligo, which causes loss of pigmentation.
King of Pop Michael Jackson blamed the condition for his pale skin colour in 1993.
Professor Weissmann, editor in chief of journal FASEB, said it was “exciting news”.
He added: “This condition, while technically cosmetic, can have serious socio-emotional effects on people.
“An effective treatment for this condition has the potential to radically improve lives.”
Professor Karin Schallreuter led the study of 2,411 patients.
She said: “Sudden loss of skin and hair colour can affect individuals in many ways.
The improvement of quality of life after total and even partially successful repigmentation has been documented.”
Schallreuter did not say when the treatment would become available for regular consumers to purchase.
Source: Mirror News
