Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair, or eyes. Albinism occurs in all racial and ethnic groups around the world. Most children with albinism are born to parents who also experience the same thing.
Most people with albinism have fair skin, so it is important to avoid sun damage to the skin and eyes by taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. Can albinism cause skin cancer? Related Article: Myth or Fact, Albinism is Caused by Genetic Factors
Albinism and Skin Cancer
Albinism can develop a type of skin cancer or melanoma called amelanotic melanoma, or melanoma without pigment. As long as melanocytes remain, people with albinism can develop skin cancers that may not be related to the impaired function of melanin production.
Albinism, a condition that does not produce melanin, can put sufferers at risk for skin cancer. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes, as well as protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation.
People with albinism are at higher risk for sunburn and skin cancer, and their eyes are often sensitive to sunlight and light. Without melanin, the skin is more susceptible to sunburn and UV damage.
Melanin itself acts like a sunscreen by absorbing some of the UV radiation before the skin cell DNA is damaged. That is why people with albinism cannot sunbathe.
Not only are people with albinism at risk for skin cancer, they also have sensitive eyes. Eye problems in albinism are caused by abnormal eye development due to lack of pigment and often include: Related Problem: Albinism Can Cause Vision Problems
1. Nystagmus: Regular horizontal back-and-forth eye movements.
2. Strabismus: Imbalance of the eye muscles, crossed eyes (esotropia), lazy eye or deviated eye (exotropia).
3. Photophobia: Sensitivity to bright light and glare.
4. Refractive Error: People with albinism may be nearsighted or have astigmatism.
5. Foveal hypoplasia: The retina, the surface inside the eye that receives light, does not develop normally before birth and during infancy.
6. Optic nerve misrouting: Nerve signals from the retina to the brain do not follow the usual nerve route.
The iris, the colored area in the center of the eye in people with albinism, has very little or no pigment to filter the light entering the eye. Light normally enters the eye only through the pupil, the dark hole in the center of the iris, but in people with albinism, light can pass through the iris.
People with albinism are sensitive to glare, but they tend to dislike being in the dark, and they need light to see like everyone else. Sunglasses or colored contact lenses can help with vision outdoors. While indoors, sufferers can use a lamp to read.
In tropical countries, people with albinism who do not have access to adequate skin protection can develop life-threatening skin cancers. If they use appropriate skin protection, such as sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher and clothing that covers their skin, people with albinism can enjoy outdoor activities even in hot weather.