Albanism

Albinism - a recessive hereditary condition which presents as white hair & skin which in incapable of tanning. Caused by the total disfunction of tyrosinase (enzyme) preventing melanin production, thought to be be caused by a mutation within the genetic structure.

Albinos therefore have no colour production capabilities and subsequently do not tan or produce hair colour.

Although the skin tends to appear paler, it is otherwise normal. Albinism affects people from all nationalities, showing no affilation to sex. The eyes are also affected turning colourless and white.

There are two types of colour pigment within the hair and skin namely :

Eumelanin - responsible for dark colours such as brown and black

Pheomelanin - responsible for lighter colours such as red and yellow

Each of us tend to have a mixture of the above however, one type may be dominant.

Tyrosinase is the major enzyme responsible for the formation of Melanin pigment viz: Tyrosine > DOPA >Dopaquinone > Eumelanin or Pheomelanin. In normal skin a suntan occurs when melalin (which absorbs the suns ultraviolet radiation) pigment (produced from melonocytes) increases in the skin due to increased exposure to the sun.

If you are suffering from any form of hair change, hair loss or scalp condition, please feel free to contact our help line. You will be able to speak with a trichologist who will be happy to advise you.

We hope you have found this website informative

 

The Stevens' Family