Definition: The word "albinism" in Greek comes from the Greek word ἀλίβιος, meaning "black". It refers to a condition where an individual's skin color is altered by chemical changes, causing them to appear black or gray instead of white. Albinism can manifest as different hues such as brown, yellow, green, blue-green, red, and purple. These hues are caused by the body rejecting melanin, which is a pigment produced in the skin that helps protect us from harmful UV rays. In some cases, albinism may be associated with genetic conditions like Leber's congenital amaurosis or sickle cell anemia, which affect the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout our body. However, it's important to note that albinism can occur in people of all ethnic backgrounds and does not have a genetic basis, much like normal skin color variation among different races. Understanding albinism helps us recognize these unique physical traits and the conditions they may represent.

albinisms