Albinism

What is Albinism

Albinism is a group of conditions characterised by a lack of colour in the skin, hair and eyes.

What are the Symptoms of Albinism

People with albinism are born with little or no pigmentation in their eyes, skin and hair, or sometimes just in the eyes alone.

Apart from their physical appearance, people with the condition can experience a number of associated problems, depending on which genetic type they have. Problems with vision and from skin burning in sunlight are particularly common.

What are the Causes of Albinism

Albinism occurs when a person inherits one or more faulty genes that don't produce the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin.

Several different genes are involved with pigment production, including genes on chromosomes 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 and X, but it's not clear exactly what role each of these plays in the condition. In most cases there's no family history.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Albinism

There's no cure for the disorders covered by albinism, but treatments and aids can help the symptoms.

Antenatal testing for the condition may be available by foetal skin biopsy.