Air date: March 1, 2009

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Redheads are an odd breed. Because so few people have red hair, all sorts of strange myths and superstitions have sprung up around redheads. Ancient Egyptians believed red to be such an unlucky color that they burned red-headed girls alive. In the Middle Ages, redheads were often suspected of being witches.

Now today, of course, we no longer think that people with red hair are evil. But they are different in some ways. For example, scientists have confirmed that redheads need more anesthesia during surgery than other people. About 20% more.

Why?

It has to do with pigments—particles that determine the color of hair and skin. I talked about it with Max Kelz, MD, who is assistant professor of anesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania medical school.

"The amount of these pigments basically is controlled by a hormone that’s produced in the brain."

Dr. Kelz, an anesthesia researcher, said that due to a genetic quirk, redheads have more of this pigment hormone. And the thing is that the hormone isn’t just involved with hair and skin color. It also plays major role in how we perceive pain. So redheads, who have more of this hormone --

"They are more susceptible to pain, so they require more pain medications after their surgical procedures and also require more anesthesia to keep them asleep for that surgical procedure."

So redheads aren’t really much different than anyone else, but they are kinda strange, at least when it comes pain.

I’m Jeremy Shere.

This Sound Medicine Checkup is underwritten by IUPUI, where impact is made on our students, our community, our health and our economy. More information at www.iupui.edu.

Additional Resources:

• Get details on genetic differences in redheads at the site, How Stuff Works.

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