This is mainly an informational post to inform you if you’re a natural red head you’re biologically more difficult to put under anesthesia! “Red hair is the only physical characteristic that indicates how much anesthetic a person needs,” says anesthesia researcher Daniel Sessler, MD. “Redheads report more pain during procedures. Some studies also show that people with red hair are more resistant to local anesthetics. And they may need more general anesthesia to keep them sleeping during medical procedures.”
“Journal Anesthesiology reported that people with red hair and the MC1R gene mutation needed as much as 20% more anesthesia. Several studies backed these findings up (and elaborated on them) in the decades since its publication.”
“A commonly used local anesthetic is lidocaine, which can administered topically as a cream or gel or injected just below the skin. A 2003 study found that both forms of lidocaine were less effective in people with red hair, with the injected lidocaine showing the most significant difference.”
If you’re a red head getting dental or anesthesia care please advocate for yourself! The first person who told me I need more lidocaine was my black dentist who knew more about red head pain management than any doctor I’ve ever been to. Don’t be afraid of the doctor or dentist if you’re a red head, or fat, or have other medical issues - you have to advocate for yourself and your needs! Our pain is already diminished as women- I won’t take any extra pain due to my natural red hair.
#redhaired#naturalredhead #anesthesia
hope this helps.
