Everyone Healthy Library
Albinism
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
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Connected health information
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Condition overview
Attributes
Commonalityis rare
Incidenceis approximately 1 in 17,000 people
Linked signs and symptoms
7Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.
Linked drugs / medications
0No linked drugs are listed yet.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
3Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
Behavioural changes
1Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
5These are pulled from both EH diagnostic-test link tables, including the older large test-link table.
Biological markers/agents
1This visual map shows biological markers/agents reported as increased or decreased with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
Often increased
1Often decreased
0No markers in this group.
Introduction / full article
Albinism
Albinism
Albinism is a rare, inherited disorder in which pigmentation (melanin) is completely or partially absent from the skin, hair and eyes. It is known affect all vertebrates.
Causes
In most cases, albinism is due to the inheritance of genetically recessive genes passed from both parents. It is possible for organisms to carry the genes for albinism without exhibiting any symptoms; thus, two non-albinistic parents may produce an albinistic child.
A rarer from of albinism, known as ocular albinism, involves the inheritance of the genes from one parent only.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The characteristic symptom of albinism in humans is a white or very pale appearance, due to the absence of black, brown or yellow colourations.
The condition is also typically associated with:
· Vision defects;
· Increased susceptibility of sunburn; and
· Higher likelihood of skin cancers.
Genetic testing can confirm the presence and type of albinism in an individual.
Treatment
While albinism itself cannot be treated, its associated medical problems can be dealt with.
Treatment of eye defects largely comprises visual rehabilitation. This can involve the use of visual aids, specially-designed reading lights, large print materials, and even surgery.
Problems associated with vulnerability to UV radiation can be prevented with appropriate measures, including:
· Minimising exposure to sunlight;
· Wearing garments to protect the skin, such as thick clothing and hats; and
· The application of sunscreen lotions.