A friend of mine, Natasha, came to me a few months ago, troubled by the sight of her first gray strands. She was only 27. The sight of silver streaks glistening in her dark hair was unsettling for her, especially at such a young age. She had always associated gray hair with the inevitable journey into middle age, yet here she was, spotting them in her twenties. It made me reflect on how common early graying has become for many, despite our best efforts to keep it at bay.

While most of us expect our hair to turn gray in our 40s or 50s, it can sometimes begin much earlier. You might spot those pesky silver strands in your 20s or even earlier. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can we maintain the health of our hair while dealing with the natural aging process?

Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

The color of our hair is determined by melanin, the pigment responsible for giving us our distinct shades of black, brown, blonde, or red. As we age, the production of melanin decreases, which eventually leads to gray or white hair. But aging isn’t the only factor. Genetics, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and certain health conditions can also contribute to premature graying.

For Natasha, the situation wasn’t entirely surprising. Her mother had gone gray in her late 20s as well. Genetics, as it turns out, plays a significant role in determining when we start to see those first gray hairs. If one or both of your parents went gray early, you’re more likely to follow the same path.

Role of Stress in Premature Greying

We’ve all heard the saying that stress can turn your hair gray, but is it true? Science suggests that it might be. A 2021 study found a link between stress and gray hair. Researchers discovered that individuals who reported higher stress levels were more likely to have gray hair than those who experienced less stress.

Animal studies have also shown that stress can deplete the stem cells responsible for producing melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between stress and graying in humans.

That said, stress-relieving activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones can help reduce the overall effects of stress on your body, which may, in turn, slow the graying process.

Health Conditions That Can Lead to Graying

Certain health conditions can also accelerate premature graying. Conditions like alopecia areata, which causes patches of hair loss, can make gray hairs more noticeable. Vitiligo, a condition that leads to the loss of skin pigment, can also cause the affected areas of hair to turn gray or white.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are another possible culprit. Nutrients like calcium, copper, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc play a key role in maintaining hair color. A deficiency in any of these can contribute to premature graying. Additionally, research suggests that vegetarian or low-protein diets may increase the risk of gray hair, as protein is essential for hair health.

Genetics of Premature Graying

For many people, premature graying is purely a matter of genetics. Studies have shown that individuals whose parents went gray early are three to five times more likely to experience the same. It’s important to recognize that if genetics is the main cause of your graying, it may not be possible to fully prevent it. However, embracing your natural hair color or exploring dyeing options can help you manage the change.

Who Is More Likely to Experience Premature Graying?

Race and ethnicity also play a role in when we start to go gray. Studies suggest that premature graying occurs before the age of 20 in White individuals, before 25 in Asians, and before 30 in Black individuals. Interestingly, premature graying affects all genders equally, though the pattern in which hair turns gray may vary. People assigned female at birth often first notice gray hairs near their forehead, while people assigned male at birth tend to gray around the sides of their head.

How to Prevent Your Hair from Graying Too Early

While genetics may be beyond our control, there are several steps you can take to slow down the graying process:

1. Manage Stress

Reducing stress is one of the most effective ways to delay the appearance of gray hair. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine. Engaging in your favorite hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and exercising regularly can also alleviate stress.

2. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support hair health. Include foods high in B vitamins, iron, copper, and zinc to help prevent nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to premature graying. Leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts are excellent sources of these essential nutrients.

3. Protect Your Hair from UV Rays

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause oxidative stress, which damages the melanin in your hair follicles. Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection can minimize this damage.

4. Avoid Heat and Chemicals

Excessive use of heat tools like blow dryers and flat irons, as well as chemical treatments like hair dye, can damage hair follicles and speed up the graying process. If you color your hair, use gentle, ammonia-free dyes and try to minimize the use of heat-styling tools.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking has been linked to premature graying, as nicotine can build up in the hair follicles, affecting pigmentation. Quitting smoking may not only slow down the graying process but also improve your overall health.

Despite our best efforts, some of us will go gray sooner than others. But graying is a natural part of aging and nothing to be ashamed of. Natasha decided to embrace her gray streaks, highlighting them with silver tones that added character to her appearance.

Whether you choose to embrace your gray hair or opt for a color change, the most important thing is to maintain the health of your hair through good nutrition, stress management, and gentle care.

Hair health is a reflection of your overall well-being. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally can help you keep your hair healthy and vibrant for years to come.

As measles continues to spread across the United States, with recent case numbers climbing to their highest level in 33 years, growing numbers of Americans are becoming concerned about how at risk they may be.

Health officials in Philadelphia confirmed a potential measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport and several public transport locations across the city in early January. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also flagged earlier measles outbreaks across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City.

Adding to the concern, infectious disease tracker BMJGroup reported that measles cases recorded in 2025 are the highest seen since at least 1992.

Against this backdrop, it is important to understand whether measles can be fatal and to recognise the symptoms that should not be ignored.

Is Measles Deadly?

Yes, measles can be deadly and carries a significant risk of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Measles can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis, and death,” the CDC states. “Between one and three out of every 1,000 people infected with measles will die. Around one in five people with measles will require hospital care, and one in every 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, which is the leading cause of measles-related deaths in young children.

“One in every 1,000 people with measles will experience brain swelling, which can result in permanent brain damage.”

Measles Symptoms Develop In Three Stages

According to the Mayo Clinic, measles symptoms usually appear in three distinct stages.

Stage 1: Incubation period (10 to 14 days)

During this phase, there are typically no noticeable or warning symptoms.

Stage 2: Early symptoms begin

Symptoms at this stage may include a dry cough, fever, red and inflamed eyes known as conjunctivitis, a runny nose, and a sore throat.

Stage 3: Acute illness and rash

“In the third stage, a rash begins to develop, usually starting on the face. Small white spots called Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms first appear,” the Mayo Clinic explains. “The measles rash typically shows up three to five days after the initial symptoms.

“Over the following days, the rash spreads to the arms, torso, and legs. Alongside the rash, fever often rises rapidly and can exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit,” the guidance continues. “Eventually, the fever subsides, and the rash fades from the body starting at the head and moving downward.”

How Do You Treat Measles?

“If individuals aged six months or older are exposed to measles and do not have immunity from prior infection or vaccination, they can receive the measles vaccine within three days of contact with the virus,” the Mayo Clinic advises. “After vaccination, quarantine at home is not required.

“For children up to 11 months old who are exposed and are not immune, a dose of antibodies known as immune globulin can be given within six days of exposure to help the body fight the infection.”

Receiving this antibody treatment requires a 21-day quarantine period.

A notice has been issued for people who use the drug spironolactone. It is commonly prescribed for heart conditions, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. However, doctors say the medication is also used for several other health concerns.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), spironolactone is prescribed “off licence” for women dealing with acne, female pattern hair loss, and hirsutism, a condition marked by excessive hair growth in areas such as the chin and upper lip. The NHS also states that spironolactone is a well-established and generally safe medicine that is sometimes used off licence to treat acne. Off licence means the drug is not officially approved for that specific condition under the UK prescribing licence.

Despite this, the NHS says spironolactone is available through the health service and is considered a useful alternative to long-term antibiotics. A study published in 2022 found that the drug is effective and safe for women who have persistent acne.

What Is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone, is also used to help manage polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS. However, it is not usually prescribed to men for skin-related conditions.

While the medication can be helpful for many women, experts warn that it does come with side effects and certain dietary restrictions. Here is what patients should know before starting treatment.

How Does Spironolactone Work For Acne?

The NHS explains that spironolactone does not permanently cure acne, but it can help control breakouts and gradually clear the skin. The drug works slowly, meaning results are not immediate.

Most women begin to see improvement after about three months of use, but treatment usually needs to continue for at least six months. In some cases, it may take the full six months to experience the maximum benefit.

What Are The Side Effects Of Spironolactone?

For acne, spironolactone is usually prescribed at doses ranging from 50mg to 150mg per day. Many patients start with 50mg daily for the first month, depending on how well they tolerate the medication and whether any side effects appear.

If there are no concerning side effects and blood test results remain normal, a doctor may increase the dose to 100mg per day. NHS guidance says the tablets should be swallowed whole with water and taken after food.

Spironolactone Common Side Effects

• Sore or tender breasts
• Irregular periods, which may improve if combined with the contraceptive pill or a hormonal intrauterine device
• A drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can cause dizziness or light-headedness

Spironolactone Uncommon Side Effects

• Skin rashes
• Feeling drowsy
• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Reduced sex drive

Spironolactone Rare Side Effects

• Confusion
• Poor coordination
• Increased need to urinate, as spironolactone is a water tablet

Spironolactone Very Rare Side Effects

High potassium levels in the blood, especially in people over 45 or those with heart or kidney disease

Changes in kidney or liver blood tests, which usually return to normal if the dose is reduced or stopped

Cancer, which has been linked to very high doses in animal studies, but not seen in people taking standard doses.

The NHS advises that spironolactone should not be taken during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. It should also be avoided by people with Addison’s disease or serious kidney problems.

Alcohol can worsen certain side effects, such as dizziness, so cutting back on drinking is recommended. Reliable contraception should be used while taking spironolactone, and the combined contraceptive pill may help reduce side effects while also improving acne.

Spironolactone NHS Warning

Doctors advise that it is usually safe to try for a baby one month after stopping the medication. The NHS stresses the importance of informing your doctor about any other medicines you are taking before starting spironolactone. This includes ACE inhibitors, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, other diuretics, heart medications like digoxin, drugs for high blood pressure, and potassium supplements.

As per Mirror, people taking spironolactone are advised not to use low-sodium salt or salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt, as these products contain high levels of potassium. Using them alongside spironolactone can raise potassium levels to a dangerous range.

The NHS also recommends limiting foods and drinks high in potassium, including bananas, avocados, pulses, nuts, and salmon. A doctor or dietitian can help plan a low-potassium diet if needed.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, including spironolactone.

The NHS has issued advice for anyone taking a widely prescribed medication, warning of possible “serious” side effects. If you are currently on atorvastatin, it’s important to be cautious about what other medicines or supplements you take alongside it.

What Is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which help lower cholesterol levels. It is usually prescribed for people with high cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

NHS Issues Guidance on Atorvastatin

Your GP may also recommend atorvastatin if you have a family history of heart disease or a long-term condition such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. As with any medicine, it’s vital to follow official guidance on how to take it safely.

Atorvastatin: Interactions With Other Medicines

On its website, the NHS lists certain “cautions with other medicines.” This means you should check that atorvastatin is safe to take alongside any other drugs or supplements.

The NHS explained: “Some medicines can affect the way atorvastatin works and can increase the chances of you having serious side effects, such as muscle damage.” You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

• Antibiotics, including erythromycin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, or fusidic acid
• Antifungals, such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, or fluconazole
• Certain HIV medications
• Some hepatitis C treatments
• Warfarin, used to prevent blood clots
• Ciclosporin, for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Colchicine, used for gout
• Contraceptive pills, such as the combined pill
• Blood pressure or heart medicines, including verapamil, diltiazem, or amlodipine
• Amiodarone, used for irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation)

If you need to take one of these medicines while on atorvastatin, your doctor may:

• Recommend a lower dose of atorvastatin
• Suggest a different statin
• Advise pausing atorvastatin temporarily

These are not all the drugs that can interact with atorvastatin. “For a full list, see the leaflet in your medicine packet or speak to your pharmacist,” the NHS said.

The health service also advised checking with your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements like St John’s wort or CoQ10 while on atorvastatin.

Atorvastatin Common Side Effects

The NHS lists these common side effects, which affect more than one in 100 people:

• Nausea or indigestion
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Sore throat
• Cold-like symptoms, such as runny or blocked nose, or sneezing
• Constipation or bloating
• Diarrhoea

“Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly increases the risk of side effects and liver problems while taking atorvastatin,” the NHS added. “If side effects make you want to stop taking the medicine, speak to your doctor first. They may be due to another cause, and your doctor can suggest lowering the dose or switching medicines.”

Atorvastatin Serious Side Effects

Stop taking atorvastatin and contact a doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience:

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or cramps, which could indicate muscle breakdown and kidney damage
• Yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin, pale stools, or dark urine, which may signal liver problems
• Skin rash with pink or red blotches, particularly on the palms or soles, possibly indicating erythema multiforme
• Severe abdominal pain, a potential sign of acute pancreatitis
• Cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, which could indicate lung disease
• Weakness in your arms or legs that worsens with activity, double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, which may be a sign of myasthenia gravis.