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Apr 9, 2024 · If you’re a natural redhead, you may be more sensitive to pain than other people — and may need more anesthetic, too! We asked an anesthesia researcher why.
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- MC1R Gene and Pain Sensitivity
- MC1R Gene and Anesthesia
- Anesthesia vs. Analgesics
As mentioned earlier, red hair is due to MC1Rmutations. Nearly 20 years ago, researchers found that MC1R gene variants are involved in pain. In a 2005 studyTrusted Source, researchers examined the link between MC1Rvariants and pain sensitivity. They tested pain by administering electrical currents. They found that those with MC1R variations were ab...
Lidocaine is an anesthetic that can be applied topically or subcutaneously (injected into the skin). It’s used as a local anesthetic to prevent pain during procedures. In the 2005 studyTrusted Sourceusing thermal pain, the researchers examined the effect of lidocaine in people with red and dark hair. Both groups had a similar response to lidocaine ...
Interestingly, compared to anesthesia, analgesics appear to affect people with red hair in a different way. In a 2005 studyTrusted Source using electrical currents, researchers found that those with MC1Rmutations had a higher response to opioids. Opioids are analgesics, also known as pain relievers. The greater response suggests that people with re...
There is a school of thought that says redheads require more local anesthetic to manage pain, as well as increased amounts of general anesthesia to induce unconsciousness, than the rest of the population.
Apr 20, 2021 · These mice show higher tolerance to pain. By crossing the red-haired mice with an albino strain to prevent melanin synthesis, the scientists were able to study the role of pigment. They found that mice carrying the MC1R red-hair variant had a higher pain threshold even without pigment synthesis.
Introduction. Inhalational anesthetic requirements are remarkably uniform in humans, mainly being affected by age and body temperature. 1, 2 However, some anesthesiologists share an anecdotal impression that patients with natural red hair require more anesthesia than patients with other hair colors.
- Edwin B. Liem, Chun–Ming Lin, Mohammad–Irfan Suleman, Anthony G. Doufas, Ronald G. Gregg, Jacqueline...
- 10.1097/00000542-200408000-00006
- 2004
- 2004/08
Studies have reported that: Redheads need about 20% more anesthesia to be sedated. Redheads need more subcutaneous local anesthetics to be effective. Redheads are less sensitive to electric shock. Redheads are more sensitive to pain-killing analgesics such as opioids.
Nov 6, 2023 · There's data suggesting that redheads need 20% more general anesthesia to stay sedated, and that they also require more
