Albinism – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com
Tuesday, December 19, 2017 by Frances Bloomfield
http://www.naturalpedia.com/albinism-causes-side-effects-and-treatments-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Albinism is a rare group of congenital disorders characterized by the reduction or complete absence of melanin, resulting in the skin, hair, and/or eyes to have little to no color. This condition is caused by the absence or defect of tyrosinase, an enzyme located in melanocytes or the specialized cells responsible for melanin production. The name “albinism” is derived from the Latin word “albus”, which means “white.”
Before 2009, there were two major categories of albinism: oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and ocular albinism (OA). OCA affects the skin, eyes, and hair, and is divided into several subtypes; in contrast, OA only impacts the eyes and primarily occurs in males. After the different subtypes of albinism were reclassified, however, more conditions were added under the term, including:
- Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS): Though its symptoms are similar to that of OCA, this uncommon form of albinism is marked by defects of the blood, lungs, and bowels.
- Chediak-Higashi Syndrome: Much like HPS, Chediak-Higashi Syndrome has OCA-like symptoms, though not all areas of the skin will be affected Moreover, Chediak-Higashi Syndrome results from mutations in the lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) gene. People with this type of albinism have deficient white blood cells, making them more prone to infections.
- Griscelli Syndrome (GS): An extremely rare genetic disorder, GS is caused by an abnormality in one of three genes. There have been less than a hundred recorded cases of GS worldwide since 1978, and in many of those cases, the patients died within the first decade of life. This condition is distinguished by albinism (though it may not impact the entire body), neurological difficulties, and immune system deficiencies.
Albinism is relatively uncommon in the western world, but not so in some African countries. Tanzania, for instance, has one of the highest albinism rates in the world. Almost one out of every 1,400 people has this condition. Although believed to have the largest albino population in Africa, albinistic people are persecuted throughout the nation. Certain body parts of albinistic people are said to transmit magical powers. Numerous violent attacks against these persons have been caused by this superstition, with casualties reported as a result of the victims being maimed. Currently, government intervention has curbed these assaults somewhat, but they still occur frequently.
Known side effects of albinism
Among the biggest problems faced by albinistic people are complications with their vision. The lack of melanin in the eyes results in certain parts, such as the retina and optic nerves, to form abnormally. This causes an albinistic individual to become susceptible to a variety of eye-related disorders, primarily:
- Astigmatism (Blurred vision)
- Nystagmus (Rapid, uncontrolled, and repetitive eye movements)
- Photophobia (Eye discomfort or pain due to light exposure)
- Strabismus (Eyes do not align simultaneously under normal conditions)
Without a pigment to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, albinistic people have a higher chance of developing skin cancer and sunburn. Even brief exposure to the sun can put these people at risk.
Moreover, individuals with other forms of albinism become more vulnerable to certain health complications. For instance, those who have Chediak-Higashi Syndrome can bruise or bleed easily, suffer from recurring sinus and lung infections, and may even develop enlarged spleens and livers.
Body systems harmed by albinism
The skin and eyes are the most affected by albinism. The partial or complete absence of melanin greatly compromises the health and function of these two organs and makes it more likely for albinistic people to develop skin- and eye-related diseases.
Food items or nutrients that may prevent albinism
There are no foods or nutrients that can prevent albinism. However, foods rich in vitamins A and E, as well as beta-carotene, are said to offer a small measure of protection against the sun.
Treatments, management plans for albinism
As of current, there is no known cure for albinism. The most that can be done is managing and relieving the symptoms. For many cases of albinism, these steps are:
- Protecting the skin and eyes from UV rays: This usually entails wearing specialized clothing that increases protection from the sun and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed areas of the body. Hats and sunglasses may be worn as well.
- Improving vision: Prescription glasses may be recommended to correct vision problems. For abnormal eye movements, surgery may be performed on the muscles of the eyes.
Where to learn more
Summary
Albinism is a group of genetic disorders caused by deficiencies in melanin production. Typically affecting the skin, eyes, and/or hair, people with albinism are usually more prone to sunburn, skin cancer, and vision problems. There is no cure for albinism at the moment, though the symptoms can be managed, to an extent. Wearing sun-protective clothing and accessories, applying sunscreen before going out, and prescription glasses are often recommended to help get around the more typical problems of albinism.
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