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Albinism

Albinism is a genetic disorder. Albinism is explained by the fact that there are very few color pigments in the skin, eyes and hair. In Turkey, it is estimated that the number of albinism exceeds 3 thousand and approaches 4 thousand. So, what is albinism in general? Details in our article.

albinism hct

What is Albino (Albinism)?

Albino or albinism is caused by various conditions. Problems in melanin production in the body can cause albinism. Albinism, which means white in Latin, derives from the word albus. People with the disease, which is translated into Turkish as albinism, are called albinos. 

People with albinism have color deficiencies in their hair, eyes and skin. The lack of color, which is among the most striking findings, may not always reach significant dimensions. Albinism, which causes increased sensitivity to sunlight, also increases the risk of skin cancer.

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What is Melanin?

Melanin, which is involved in albinism, is known for giving color to the skin, hair and eyes. Melanin is also involved in the development of the optic nerve and affects visual function. Therefore, vision problems are more common in albino patients. 

Many genes are involved in the production of melanin pigment. The pigment synthesized by melanocyst cells, especially in the skin, eyes and hair, is called melanin. A mutation in any of the genes responsible for melanin production can lead to albinism. In addition, which gene is affected determines the type of albinism. This is because in some species the melanin pigment is not produced at all. In others, little melanin is produced.

What are the Types of Albinism?

Oculocutaneous Albinism: There is more than one type of albinism. The most common type of albinism is known as Oculocutaneous albinism. This disease, also referred to as OCA, occurs when there is a mutation in one of the 7 genes from OCA1 to OCA7. For a person to have this type of albinism, the gene must be passed from both mother and father. It should be noted that the mutation in these genes will cause vision problems. 

Mutation in OCA genes leads to decreased melanin production. Mutation in different OCA genes makes the amount of melanin synthesis different in patients. As a result, different melanin synthesis in each patient may lead to different findings. 

Ocular Albinism: If a person’s discomfort is limited to his/her eyes and he/she has vision problems, he/she is suffering from ocular albinism. The most common type of ocular albinism is Type 1. Type 1 causes albinism by carrying the mutant gene on the X chromosome. 

Since it is carried on the X chromosome, this disease is passed from mother to sons. Males who inherit the mutant copy appear to have ocular albinism. However, this condition is much rarer than OCA.

What are the Symptoms of Albinism?

Albinism (albino) symptoms appear on the skin, hair and eyes. The skin color of a person with albinism is usually lighter. Hair colors range from white to brown. Depending on the form of the disease, albinos may have a similar hair and skin color to their non-albino relatives. 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Albinism is a congenital genetic condition. It causes a lack of color in the skin, hair and eyes as a result of an inability or failure to produce normal levels of the pigment melanin. This results in white or pale skin, hair and eyes.

Albinism is a genetic trait, usually inherited from parents. Children have a higher risk of albinism if both parents have the albinism gene. Albinism is caused by a genetic defect in the cells that produce melanin. This causes a lack of color production in the skin, hair and eyes.

Symptoms of albinism include white or pale skin, hair and eyes, vision problems (such as nystagmus, photophobia), reduced visual acuity and lack of color in the eyes. People with albinism also tend to be more sensitive to sunlight.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for albinism. However, measures such as visual aids, sunscreens and regular eye examinations can be taken. Some treatments and surgical interventions are available to manage vision problems, but albinism itself cannot be cured. The treatment plan is usually based on individual needs and symptoms.

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About the Author: Dr. Rasime Erkan
rsme erkn
Dr. Rasime Erkan was born in Kayseri and moved to Istanbul at the age of two, where she completed her education. She graduated from Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1981 and began her professional career at a private hospital in Istanbul. She completed her specialization at the Department of Dermatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, successfully passing her board certification exam in 1988. Throughout her career, Dr. Erkan has provided dermatological treatment to over 8,000 patients and has trained dozens of doctoral students. Since 2015, she has been working at the Hair Center of Turkey clinic, where she has organized and supervised more than 1,000 hair transplant operations. Additionally, she has reinforced her expertise by providing dermatological treatment to numerous patients following their hair transplant procedures. With her extensive knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases, Dr. Rasime Erkan continues to make valuable contributions to the clinic.
16/05/2024Blog, Hair Loss
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