Albinism (from Latin albus , meaning white ) is a congenital condition in which the skin, hair and eyes lack the pigment melanin in whole or in part.
People with albinism thus lack the sun-protective effect of melanin, and therefore have a significantly increased risk of sun damage and sun-related disease. Many are also visually impaired due to disturbances in the development of the eyes.
There are approximately 250-300 people with the condition in Norway.
The condition is caused either by an error in the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into the pigment melanin (so-called tyrosinase deficiency) or other enzyme errors.
Most forms of albinism are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means that people with albinism have inherited a disease-causing gene from both father and mother.
There is no treatment for albinism. However, it is very important to have good sun protection and specialist follow-up (dermatologist and ophthalmologist).
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
