What causes it?Albinism occurs when a person inherits one or more faulty genes that don't produce the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. Usually, inheritance is autosomal recessive, but some cases are X-linked. In most cases, there's no family history. Several different genes are involved in albinism, depending on the specific type. What are the symptoms? People with albinism are born with little or no pigmentation in their eyes, skin and hair (oculocutaneous albinism) or sometimes in the eyes alone (ocular albinism). 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. Who's affected? About one in 17,000 children in the UK is born with some type of albinism. It affects all races. What's the treatment?There's no cure for the disorders covered by albinism, but treatments and aids can help the symptoms. Avoiding exposure to UV light and using high-factor sunscreen are essential. Advice about coping with eye problems is available from optometrists and ophthalmologists. Antenatal testing for the condition is possible.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in October 2007
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