Albinism in Humans

Albinism derives its name from “albus” which means white in Latin. It is a common familial disorder in which people are born with no melanin at all. It means they have no coloring pigment in their skin, eyes and hair. Some people may be affected by a partial variant in which only the eyes are involves. The disorder is transmitted to the next generation through autosomal recessive alleles, which means that both parents need to have the gene for its transmission to the offspring. It is hence more common in closed societies with inter-marriages between close blood relatives. There are however some rare forms which may also be transmitted by one parent only. Its appearance does not exhibit any gender bias, but the ocular variety (Limited only to eyes) is transmitted through X-linked inheritance and hence is more frequently seen in males. It is not a contagious disease and there is no risk f person to person transmission.

Types of albinism in humans

Albinism is generally classified on the basis of chemical abnormality as Tyrosinase positive and Tyrosinase negative. It means that the melanocytes may or may not have the enzyme Tyrosinase, which is required for the making of melanin. In Tyrosinase negative albinos, the melanin can not be made due to some un-identified abnormality. Albinism in humans can lead to multiple problems and difficulties for the affected individual. Their skin does not have the coloring pigment and they may face the stigma of abnormal color. They are further more liable to be sun-burnt. They may not be able to see in bright light as well due to internal reflection of light within the eye.

Albinism in humans and Vitiligo

These are two absolutely different disorders and the only link between the two is that they may be occasionally confused with each other. Here is the summary of some basic differences.

Albinism in humans and Vitiligo

These are two absolutely different disorders and the only link between the two is that they may be occasionally confused with each other. Here is the summary of some basic differences.

Albinism	Vitiligo
Albinism	Vitiligo
Present at birth	Appears after birth
Stable	Can improve or worsen
Either total or Oculr	Can take many forms and shapes
Basic abnormality is Biochemical	Basic abnormality is auto-immune dmage to melanocytes

If however there is any doubt, professional help must always be sought.