Redheads Endure Pain Better Than Others, Research Reveals
Redheads are often thought to be quick-tempered and able to handle more pain than others. While there isn't scientific proof of the quick temper, recent research suggests there might be some truth to their higher pain tolerance. Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have discovered why people with red hair might feel pain differently compared to those with other hair colors.
Our skin contains special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigments that give us our skin and hair colors. Redheads, whether humans or animals, have slightly different protein receptors on their melanocytes. Earlier research from MGH showed that when these receptors don't work properly in redheads, it leads to less pigmentation.
The researchers studied a breed of red-haired mice that, like redheaded humans, have melanocytes with faulty receptors. These mice also showed a higher tolerance for pain, making them perfect for this study.
The study found a link between the melanocyte receptor (melanocortin 1 receptor) and a hormone called proopiomelanocortin (POMC). When the melanocortin 1 receptor doesn’t work in the red-haired mice, their melanocytes produce less POMC. POMC breaks down into several hormones, one of which makes pain feel worse, while another makes it feel less intense.
These hormones help balance pain sensitivity by working with opioid receptors, which reduce pain, and melanocortin 4 receptors, which increase pain sensitivity. In red-haired mice (and likely in humans), lower levels of these hormones should balance out. However, other substances in the body that affect pain receptors still play a role. This imbalance leads to more opioid signals, which increases pain tolerance.
Dr. David E. Fisher from Massachusetts General Hospital explains, “These findings clarify why people with different skin colors might feel pain differently. This understanding helps medical professionals better care for patients with varying pain sensitivities.”
Scientists are now looking into new ways to manage pain by influencing the body’s natural pain control mechanisms. For example, they are developing drugs that block the melanocortin 4 receptors involved in feeling pain. Dr. Lajos V. Kemény, a co-lead author of the study, says, “We are continuing to study how signals from the skin regulate pain and opioid responses. Understanding these pathways better could lead to new ways to control pain.”
This study is published in Science Advances.