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Original poster

Is this in my sons hair anything to worry about?

23 replies

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 22:52

My DS is 7 and a year ago started developing a grey patch of hair on his head.
He's on a waiting list to see a dermatologist about it. He isn't particularly bothered by it at this stage.
He's had his hair cut short today and I've noticed a dark streak of hair, very thin line going vertically down near the grey patch.
This made me check back through photos and it's been there since at least the start or May as it was present in the jubilee pics, I didn't notice at the time. He has it cut every 3 -4 weeks and the line is present after every single cut. Its so odd!
Any ideas?

Is this in my sons hair anything to worry about?

OP posts:

Original poster

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 22:53

Here is a pic from 3 months ago when his hair was longer

OP posts:

Allmarbleslost · 04/08/2023 22:56

I can't see any grey hair?

Original poster

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 23:00

@Allmarbleslost it's a small 2p coin sized patch. You can see it better here

OP posts:

TiredMum30 · 04/08/2023 23:03

I can't comment on the dark patch but my husband has always had a patch of grey on his head, but there's a mole underneath it

KnickerlessParsons · 04/08/2023 23:09

Is the dark line in his hair or in his skin? Could it be a birthmark? They aren't always visible from actual birth.

ReleasetheCrackHen · 04/08/2023 23:11

Are you sure it’s the hair that is grey? It looks like a scaly psoriasis type of skin patch on his scalp to me. But the photo isn’t that clear tbh, so can’t say for sure what I am seeing.

Original poster

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 23:12

KnickerlessParsons · 04/08/2023 23:09

Is the dark line in his hair or in his skin? Could it be a birthmark? They aren't always visible from actual birth.

No the skin looks to be perfectly fine! I can't see anything on it. Its not always the same person who cuts his hair either so it can't be her technique 🤷‍♀️ which was my initial thought

OP posts:

Mousehoel · 04/08/2023 23:12

Has his hair always been dark?
My cousin has a patch of white hair that wasn’t visible until his hair got darker - could this be the case?

ichundich · 04/08/2023 23:14

A friend of mine has had a grey patch all his life. It's the size of a 2 p coin.

ReleasetheCrackHen · 04/08/2023 23:14

If it’s just hair, look up poliosis. It’s the hair equivalent of vitiligo.

VeridicalVagabond · 04/08/2023 23:15

I've got a white patch I've had since I was little, just turns into a silvery streak through my hair. It's never caused me any issues! I always just assumed it was like a reverse birthmark - a patch of skin and hair with no pigment instead of with excessive pigment.

Original poster

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 23:18

ReleasetheCrackHen · 04/08/2023 23:11

Are you sure it’s the hair that is grey? It looks like a scaly psoriasis type of skin patch on his scalp to me. But the photo isn’t that clear tbh, so can’t say for sure what I am seeing.

Yes, the hair is very white and literally sparkles. Have tried to i ckide a better pic here :)

OP posts:

Original poster

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 23:19

Mousehoel · 04/08/2023 23:12

Has his hair always been dark?
My cousin has a patch of white hair that wasn’t visible until his hair got darker - could this be the case?

Yes he was born very dark. Grey patch appeared about 12 months ago

OP posts:

Original poster

Zara19 · 04/08/2023 23:21

VeridicalVagabond · 04/08/2023 23:15

This was odd because it appeared out of nowhere... now I'm a little concerned due to the darker streak he has running near.to it too

OP posts:

greenspaces4peace · 04/08/2023 23:22

not aware of the name but not uncommon.

Tilllly · 04/08/2023 23:27

greenspaces4peace · 04/08/2023 23:22

not aware of the name but not uncommon.

Mallen streak?

Chickenpie35 · 04/08/2023 23:33

Mallon streak. Not uncommon, perfectly fine. I Love mine

Throwingpots · 05/08/2023 00:22

My son who’s now in his early twenties, has always had a patch of white hair just like this, and in the same place. Never bothered with dermatologist, don’t really think it’s anything to worry about.

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 05/08/2023 00:29

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

WallaceinAnderland · 05/08/2023 00:34

Sounds like Poliosis

https://www.healthline.com/health/poliosis#treatments

Poliosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

https://www.healthline.com/health/poliosis#treatments

OneMoreCookieMonster · 05/08/2023 00:47

Once hair has turned white (it looks grey due to the contrast of the natural hair surrounding it or due to diffused melanin) nothing will get it to have it original pigment back bar hair colour. The follicle has shut down in that area and is no longer producing melanin/melanocytes.

As a pps have said it is most likely a mallen streak/poliosis. They are fairly common and are akin to a birth mark. Birth marks/beauty spots and streaks like that can develop with age. You are rarely born with them. They are usually harmless but may have underlying medical causes (if they do it's usually an autoimmune issue) and best to have it check it out regardless for peace of mind.

I wouldn't worry just yet, especially if he is well in himself.

NewName122 · 05/08/2023 01:04

My sons always had a small grey patch, just a few strands but he likes it long so you see them. Never thought to even have it looked at, he's fine.

ImGoingThroughChanges · 05/08/2023 08:25

Sorry to hijack your thread but my child has this with random red splotches. Three of them in otherwise light to medium brown hair. It’s so weird and only appeared in the last year or so.

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