Do Redheads Really Feel More Pain?

Aug. 11, 2009— -- Genetically speaking, redheads are mutants. They may not wear capes or fight crime like the ones we see in comic books but, as a growing body of research shows, they might have special powers.

In the past five years, researchers have found that the genetic mutation responsible for redhead's ruby tresses and snow-white skin also makes them more sensitive to hot and cold -- and it could also make them a whole lot harder to numb up.

Past reserach has shown that, on average, redhead men and women require 20 percent more anesthesia than their non-ginger peers.

A recent study from the Journal of the American Dentistry Association also shows that redheads tend to be more afraid of going to the dentist and are twice as likely to avoid dental care -- presumably because their need for more numbing leads to unexpected complications in the dentist's chair.

These findings came as no surprise to me. As a redhead, I'm all too familiar with the medical peculiarities associated with my copper locks, though I had to learn them the hard way.

I was 18 and about to be put under for the first time in my life so that all four of my wisdom teeth could be removed.

I was prepped for the dental surgery, just waiting on the anesthesiologist, when the nurse assisting commented on my hair.

"Oh, a redhead," she said, her brow slightly furrowed.

Although I'm used to people making remarks about my hair, this is not the response I usually get.

"Yeah?" I said in a questioning tone.

"I always heard that redheads need more anesthesia than expected, but it's probably just an old wives' tale," the nurse said. "I wouldn't worry about it."

With this less-than-comforting send off, she left and the anesthesiologist came in. Apparently, he hadn't heard that particular old wives' tale because halfway through the surgery, I woke up.

Disoriented, slightly delirious from the drugs, but conscious nonetheless, I started flailing about, attempting to talk despite there being enough cotton in my cheeks to stuff a teddy bear.

It took two nurses, the dentist, and the receptionist to calm me down enough to give me more anesthesia. I think, just to be safe, they gave me enough to knock out a small elephant because the next thing I remember, I was waking up in my parents' bed some eight hours later.