Some studies have found that redheads have a lower pain threshold, but other studies have found the opposite.
Is Managing Pain More Challenging for Redheads?
The researchers found that only some of the variants seemed to affect pain sensitivity.
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This study also concluded that the increased sensitivity was related to variations in the MC1R gene.
Do Redheads Require More Anesthesia?
How individual people experience pain and respond to pain medication is an important consideration for anesthesiologists.
Are Redheads More Prone to Melanoma?
Fair skin has a well-established relationship with both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
The risk is even higher if you have red or strawberry-blonde hair.
Red hair may also be associated with some health benefits.
More recent studies, however, have been unable to confirm this finding.
How Much Pain Medicine Should Redheads Take?
Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations when taking opioid pain medications.
Never take more than recommended.
When your pain is minimal to moderate, you might switch to over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen.
This is when most people return to their normal activities and find that they no longer need pain control.
Do not keep using opioid pain medication longer than necessary.
This can lead to serious side effects such as constipation, fatigue, and the risk of physical dependence.
Some studies have found increased pain sensitivity in people with red hair while others have found increased pain tolerance.
People with red hair may also respond to anesthesia differently.
If you are scheduled for surgery, discuss this with your anesthesiologist.
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