Albinism

Albinism is the congenital absence of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is necessary for the production of melanin. In individuals with albinism, melanin is therefore not produced, which manifests in the coloring of the parts of the body for which melanin is responsible. Characteristic are colorless skin and red‑colored eyes. Absence of pigment in the eyes causes photophobia and vision problems.

The term “albinism” is often used inaccurately due to misunderstanding its nature. Albinism is a disorder of melanin production — it does not affect the production of other pigments, such as carotenoids. Individuals therefore do not necessarily have to be white; parts of the body may be colored by other pigments that retain their original color. The term partial albino is also often used, usually when describing individuals with a disturbance of melanin distribution, in whom some parts of the body are white and some normally pigmented.

Characteristic features of people (so‑called albinos) are white skin that seems almost transparent, very light hair and body hair, and sometimes lack of pigmentation in the iris. In such a case, it appears pinkish (capillaries showing through the surface of the eye). Albinism is very rare, but it can occur in any animal species.

According to health organizations worldwide, one in 20,000 people suffers from a congenital disorder such as albinism. In sub‑Saharan Africa, however, its occurrence is relatively common. In Tanzania, one out of every 1,400 inhabitants is born with albinism.

There are two basic forms — the oculocutaneous form, which affects the skin, hair, and eyes; and the ocular form, which affects the eyes. A very rare form is partial albinism, in which only a certain part of the skin and hair is affected. Albinism is also accompanied by many health complications. From a dermatological point of view, the most important is an increased risk of developing malignant melanoma. Unfortunately, causal treatment does not yet exist. Constant high protection of the skin from sunlight and the use of sunglasses with UV filters are essential.

• biela koža
• veľmi svetlé vlasy a ochlpenie
• niekedy nefarebnosť dúhovky
• fotofóbia (svetloplachosť)