Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Nevus, halo Melanin

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Albinism

Alternative Names: Hypopigmentation; Oculocutaneous albinism; Ocular albinism Treatment: Treatment aims to ease symptoms and depends on the extent of the disorder. Text Continues Below The skin and eyes must be protected from the sun. Sunglasses (UV protected) may relieve photophobia. Sunburn risk can be reduced by avoiding the sun, by using sunscreens and covering completely with clothing when exposed to sun. Sunscreens should have a high SPF (sun protection factor). Support Groups: National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation PO Box 959, East Hampstead, NH 03826-0959 603-887-2310 800-473-2310 (US and Canada) www.albinism.org International Albinism Center www.cbc.umn.edu/iac Expectations (prognosis): Mostly, albinism does not change one's expected lifespan. For those with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, however, life expectancy may be shortened due to lung disease or bleeding problems. Activities for those with albinism may be limited by intolerance to the sun. Complications: Skin cancer Decreased vision, blindness Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you have albinism or symptoms such as photophobia that cause discomfort. Also call if there are any skin changes that might be an early sign of skin cancer.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.