Scalp disorders can lead to graying

Dear Dr. Gott: I am the father of twins, a boy and a girl. At the age of 12, my son started to get gray hair. I’m 47 years old and my son now has more gray hair than I do, and he is grayer every year.

By the way, I’m now starting to see gray hair in my 15-year-old daughter.

Dr. Gott, I’m really worried about it. What’s wrong? What can I do about it?

Please respond soon, I’m a very worried parent. I took my son to a pediatrician, who couldn’t tell me anything.

Dear Reader: Premature gray hair is, in most instances, governed by the genes. (Nonetheless, some scalp disorders can also cause gray hair in young people.)

I don’t know of any treatment for genetically governed changes in hair color. Fortunately, the condition is not a health issue, but you may choose to have your children examined by a dermatologist who can shed some light on the problem and, perhaps, recommend treatment.

Dear Dr. Gott: Shame on the nurse who refused to give the 72-year-old veteran a sample or prescription for Viagra, then said he should act his age. Where did the nurse come from?

I am 86 years old and have been married for 58 years. I began taking 50 milligrams of Viagra seven years ago. It worked like a charm and helped an old couple to love, smile and be happy. Then, 18 months ago, I let a urologist talk me into a simple outpatient prostate operation. It was not successful, and he had to do another procedure five months later. It has been 18 month,s and I still leak and have to wear pads.

These operations ended my erections. At my age I am sorry to realize that my manhood has got up and gone forever.

Please give the poor feller some Viagra. He served our country for our freedom, so he deserves much luck and happiness for his services.

Dear Reader: Your predicament is a common one: Surgery is not 100-percent guaranteed. Unforeseen, uncomfortable consequences must always he considered before a patient agrees to an operation.

You didn’t mention why you needed surgery. Perhaps the procedure was vital to your health (if, for example, you have prostate cancer). But, necessary or not, the risk/benefit ratio must be carefully examined before a patient agrees to an operation.

I’m on your side in this matter. If Viagra helped you to maintain an active sex life, the safest option would have been the drug, not the knife.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Erectile Dysfunction.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.