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.
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