Albinism
By Alize Rivera, Ms. Harris 1st block
What?
- This is a disorder in which a person produces little to no melanin. Melanin is what gives us our skin tone. The 11th chromosome is what carries this, it's also called Tyrosinase.
- This can be cause when both parents pass down the defective gene.
When?
- Albinism can be self diagnosed.
- Absence of color in eyes, hair, and skin
- Vision problems: crossed eyed, rapid eye movement, blindness
- There is no cure for albinism, but treatment can help. Since the lack of melanin increases the risk of skin cancer sun lotion is great for the skin. When it comes to the visual problems glasses, and different eye exercises or surgeries can help.
Who?
Since albinism is a genetic disorder anyone or anything can be affected by it.
Why?
I picked this topic because I have a sister who looks albino. Her, and I we have different fathers and it pretty ironic how her father is dark as night, and my father is Puerto Rican, yet she came out lighter than I did. My sister is a victim of bullying because of her skin tone and I want people to be aware of the disorder. I also want her to know the difference, so she can be more confident in herself.
Btw she is not albino.