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Albinism

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Melanin
Melanin

Alternative Names    Return to top

Oculocutaneous albinism; Ocular albinism; Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome

Definition    Return to top

Albinism is a defect of melanin production that results in little or no color (pigment) in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Causes    Return to top

Albinism occurs when one of several genetic defects makes the body unable to produce or distribute melanin, a natural substance that gives color to your hair, skin, and iris of the eye.

The defects may be passed down through families.

There are two main types of albinism:

The most severe form of albinism is called oculocutaneous albinism. People with this type of albinism have white or pink hair, skin, and iris color, as well as vision problems.

Another type of albism, called ocular albinism type 1 (OA1), affects only the eyes. The person's skin and eye colors are usually in the normal range. However, an eye exam will show that there is no coloring in the back of the eye (retina).

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a form of albinism caused by a single gene. It can occur with a bleeding disorder, as well as with lung and bowel diseases.

Other complex diseases may lead to loss of coloring in only a certain area (localized albinism). These conditions include:

Symptoms    Return to top

A person with albinism will have one of the following symptoms:

Many forms of albinism are associated with the following symptoms:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Genetic testing offers the most accurate way to diagnose albinism and its type. Such testing is helpful if you have a family history of albinism, and is also useful for certain populations known to get the disease.

Your doctor may also diagnose the condition based on the appearance of your skin, hair, and eyes. An ophthalmologist should perform a electroretinogram test, which can reveal vision problems related to albinism.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder.

Treatment involves protecting the skin and eyes from the sun:

Support Groups    Return to top

National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation -- www.albinism.org

International Albinism Center -- www.med.umn.edu/ophthalmology/centers/albinism/home.html

Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network -- www.hpsnetwork.org

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Albinism does not usually affect lifespan. Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome can, however, shorten lifespan due to lung disease or bleeding problems.

People with albinism may be limited in their activities because they can't tolerate the sun.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have albinism or symptoms such as light sensitivity that cause discomfort. Also call if you notice any skin changes that might be an early sign of skin cancer.

Prevention    Return to top

Because albinism is inherited, genetic counseling is important. Genetic counseling should be considered for people with a family history of albinism or hypopigmentation.

Update Date: 4/14/2009

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/25/2008).

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