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Pronunciations melanin melasma

Albinism is a rare hereditary disorder in which little or no melanin is formed.

Albinism occurs in people of all races and throughout the world.

Albinism is easily recognized by its typical appearance. People with albinism have white hair, pale skin, and pink or pale blue eyes. The genetic disorder causing albinism also results in abnormal vision and, often, in involuntary eye movements (nystagmus).

Albinism

Because melanin protects the skin from the sun, people with albinism are very prone to sunburn and skin cancer. Even a few minutes of bright sunlight can cause serious burns.

There is no cure for albinism. People with the disorder can minimize or prevent problems by doing the following:

• Staying out of direct sunlight
• Wearing sunglasses with UV (ultraviolet) protection and clothing that protects from the sun
• Applying sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB light with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 30 (see Sunlight and Skin Damage: Avoidance)

Did You Know... Albinism occurs in people of all races.

Clothing, even when it covers the body, varies in how well it protects against UV light. Generally, the tighter the weave and the heavier the weight, the more protection a fabric provides.

Last full review/revision October 2008 by Daniel E. McGinley-Smith, MD