Facts about Albinism

Affecting 1 in every 17,000 people, albinism is a medical condition characterized by the lack of an essential pigment called melanin, which lends color to the skin, eyes and the hair.

Let’s learn more about this condition and unveil some important facts you should know.
1. People suffering from albinism have very little or no melanin pigment at all. This lack of melanin, the “color pigment” is why people suffering from this condition appear to have pale skin and very light eyes and hair.

2. There are several different types of albinism, but a particular form of this condition known as ocular albinism, affects the eye and is found to be more common among males.

3. People suffering from albinism also tend to have a number of eye problems including impaired vision (even after wearing glasses), photophobia (sensitivity to light) and may even demonstrate involuntary movements of the eye.

4. Genetic mutations are believed to be the main cause of albinism.

5. The most common form of albinism is known as oculocutaneous albinism.

6. The diagnosis of this condition isn’t difficult – the paleness makes it pretty obvious when the child is born.

7. Infants suffering from albinism may initially appear slower than other infants due to visual problems, but they later develop the ability to cope.

8. Individuals suffering from albinism tend to have extremely sensitive skin, which is why they are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.

9. The severity of albinism differs from individual to individual and even among siblings.

10. Albinism is an untreatable condition since the root cause of this disease is present at the genetic level. However, eye and skin problems arising as a result of albinism can be treated by the correct approach.

11. Contrary to popular belief, albinism doesn’t affect an individual’s social development.

12. Albinism is a health condition that doesn’t get worse or aggravated over the time; and doesn’t exhibit any changes to the life expectancy of an individual.

13. People suffering from albinism need to be cautious about their skin and make sure they apply sunscreens and moisturizers regularly to make sure their skin remains healthy and protected.

14. Albinism is not contagious. It cannot be transferred from person to person through blood transfusion, dermal contact, or via vector (pathogen carrying organism
as mosquito carries malaria)

15. Not only human beings, plants and animals also suffer from albinism.


Source: http://www.albinism.org.za/Facts%20about%20Albinism.html