Have you ever seen someone whose skin and hair are pale white or very light? Don’t be confused, because in the medical world, this condition is known as albinism. The general public often calls it albino.
Albinism is a disorder in the production of melanin in the body so that a person has white, pale, or very light skin. In fact, all ethnic groups can experience this condition. In other words, albinism can affect anyone. Albinos cannot be cured, but they can still live healthy and normal lives like other people.
Causes of Albinism in Newborns
Several genes provide instructions for making one of several proteins involved in melanin production. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the skin, hair, and eyes. Albinism results from mutations in one of these genes.
Different types of albinism can occur, primarily based on the gene mutation that causes the disorder. The mutation can result in no melanin at all or a significantly reduced amount of melanin. Related Article: Albinism Can Cause Vision Problems
There are several types of albinism classified based on how they are inherited and on the genes affected as follows:
- Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA). This is the most common type, meaning a person inherits two copies of the mutated gene or one from each parent (autosomal recessive inheritance). It is the result of a mutation in one of seven genes, labeled OCA1 to OCA7. OCA causes decreased pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes, as well as impaired vision. The amount of pigment varies by type, and the resulting skin, hair, and eye color also varies by and within types.
- Ocular Albinism. This occurs in the eyes and causes vision problems. The most common form is type 1, inherited by a gene mutation on the X chromosome. X-linked ocular albinism can be passed from a mother who carries one mutated X gene to her son (X-linked recessive inheritance). Ocular albinism occurs almost exclusively in males and is much rarer than OCA.
- Hereditary Albinism. This type is associated with rare hereditary syndromes that can occur. For example, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome includes a form of OCA as well as bleeding and bruising problems and lung and intestinal disease. Chediak-Higashi syndrome includes a form of OCA as well as immune problems with recurrent infections, neurological abnormalities, and other serious problems.
Health Complications Are Very Prone to Attacking Albino Sufferers
Albinism can include skin and eye complications as well as social and emotional challenges, some of these complications include:
- Eye Complications
Problems with vision can affect learning, work, and driving ability.
- Skin Complications
People with albinism have skin that is extremely sensitive to light and sun exposure. Sunburn is one of the most serious complications associated with albinism because it can increase the risk of skin cancer and skin thickening related to sun damage.
- Social and Emotional Problems
Some people with albinism may experience discrimination. The reactions of others to people with albinism can often have a negative impact on people with the condition. People with albinism may experience bullying, teasing, or probing questions about their appearance, glasses, or visual aids. They often look very different from members of their own family or ethnic group, so they may feel like an outsider or be treated like one. These experiences can lead to social isolation, poor self-esteem, and stress.
If you live with a family member with albinism and find him/her often depressed because of the physical differences he/she experiences, help him/her ease the problem by inviting him/her to discuss with a psychologist.