What is the rarest type of albinism?

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by a reduction or complete lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair and eyes.

What race has the highest rate of albinism?

Epidemiology. Albinism affects people of all ethnic backgrounds; its frequency worldwide is estimated to be approximately one in 17,000. Prevalence of the different forms of albinism varies considerably by population, and is highest overall in people of sub-Saharan African descent.

Can an albino person dye their hair?

The good news is, the answer is yes! A person with albinism can dye their hair any colour they want.

Can an albino have a normal child?

Albinism is passed from parents to their children through genes. For most types of OCA, both parents must carry an albinism gene to have a child with albinism. Parents may have normal pigmentation but still carry the gene.

Why is there a lot of albinos in Africa?

Although rare in the western world, albinism is quite common in sub-Saharan Africa, likely as a result of consanguineous alliances. Both parents, who may or may not be albinos themselves, must carry the gene if it is to be passed on to the child.

What is albinism, and why does it happen?

Albinism is a disease in which a person has partial or complete loss of pigmentation (coloring) of the skin, eyes and hair. What causes it? Genetic mutations that affect the production of a pigment called melanin. There is a cell called the melanocyte that is responsible for giving skin, hair, and eyes pigmentation.

How was albinism first discovered?

Albinism was first discovered by a man named Sir Archibald Edward Garrod in 1908. His observations in patients that experienced hypersensitivity to light and eye misalignment eventually led to the discover and classification of Albinism.

What is the origin of albinism?

Albinism is a defect of melanin production. Melanin is a natural substance in the body that gives color to your hair, skin, and iris of the eye. Albinism occurs when one of several genetic defects makes the body unable to produce or distribute melanin. These defects may be passed down (inherited) through families.

How did albinism get its name?

The word Albinism is a derivative of a Latin word Albus which means white. Due to the lack of pigmentation the appearance of people with albinism have distinctively white colored skin and hair while their eyes are normally blue, brown or hazel.