Albinism

Alternate Names : Albino

Albinism refers to a group of disorders that are present at birth. It is characterized by a decrease or lack of color in the skin, hair, and eyes.

What is going on in the body?

Albinism refers to a group of genetic defects that cause decreased levels of the pigment, melanin, which forms color in skin, hair, and eyes. Low levels of melanin cause very light skin tone and blond-white hair. The eyes might also be affected and have an iris that is dull-gray to blue or brown. Since melanin protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, people with albinism are easily sunburned.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Albinism is an inherited disorder. A person with albinism has received an abnormal gene from his or her parents. Most children with albinism are born to parents with normal melanin production and no symptoms of albinism.