Did You Know That Surgeons Dread Redheads? Here’s The Fascinating Reason Why!

In case you never knew this, Redheads are actually the biggest bane of surgeons and for very valid and scientific reasons. The medical fraternity has stereotyped redheads with several factors as revealed in a new study published in BMJattest mixing physiological differences and ideas such as redheads being hotheads and even having increased sensitivity to pain.

Science has now acquired an even better understanding in relation to physiological attributes exclusive to redheads including why surgeons dread redheads.

1Redheads are a minority

Redheads are a minority comprising just 2-6% of the population in the Northern hemisphere and only 1-2% worldwide. Did you know that!! Genetics is responsible for making a redhead a rare bird.

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2It’s all because of rare gene mutation

The carrot top color is because of a rare gene mutation present on chromosome 16 which affects what is called a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) protein that gives the redhead the typical characteristic of red hair, pale skin and light eyes. The gene discovered only 15 years ago is recessive and both parents should carry it for a child to be born with red hair. The surprising thing is that although redheads are rare, the gene itself is present in almost 80% of the population. As mentioned earlier both parents need to possess the gene.

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3Redheads are more sensitive to Ultraviolet light

Because of the light eyes and skin, redheads possess more sensitivity to Ultraviolet light. If you are a redhead, it is advisable to lather on a good sunscreen when out in the sun.

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4It’s not only about sunburn, here’s why surgeons dread redheads

The physical challenges of being a redhead go beyond just sunburn. Surgeons dread redheads because they know very well the constraints they face when performing surgery on redheads. This is exactly what the new study sought to analyze and research as to the reasons why.

Redheads need more anesthetic than others say surgeons and that can be a nightmare for an anesthetist during surgery on a redhead. A redhead needs 20% more anesthesia than dark-haired people. Research in the journal of American Dental Association found that redheads are twice more likely to avoid the dentist because if they aren’t given more than the usual dose of novocaine, they may experience more pain.

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