Albinism in humans
Albinism in Humans
Albinism in humans (/ælˈbaɪnɪzəm/; from Latin albus, "white") is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition present at birth. It is characterized by a lack of melanin, the pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
Etymology
The term "albinism" comes from the Latin word albus, meaning "white". It was first used in this sense in the early 18th century.
Types of Albinism
There are two main types of albinism in humans: Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) and Ocular Albinism (OA). OCA affects the skin, hair, and eyes, while OA primarily affects the eyes.
Oculocutaneous Albinism
Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) is the most common type of albinism. It is further divided into several subtypes, based on differences in genetic cause and phenotype.
Ocular Albinism
Ocular Albinism (OA) primarily affects the eyes, while skin and hair may appear similar or slightly lighter than that of other family members.
Symptoms
Symptoms of albinism include light skin, white or light yellow hair, and eye color that varies from light blue to brown. People with albinism may also have vision problems such as nystagmus, strabismus, and photophobia.
Causes
Albinism is caused by mutations in several genes, each of which can produce different forms of the condition. These mutations inhibit the production of melanin.
Treatment
There is no cure for albinism, but symptoms can be managed. This often involves protecting the skin and eyes from the sun, corrective lenses or surgery for vision problems, and counseling to cope with social and emotional issues.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Albinism in humans
- Wikipedia's article - Albinism in humans
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