1. By: Kelsey Johnson and Lippter Lee Period 4
Albinism
By: Kelsey Johnson and Lippter Lee
Period 4

2. Background/History of Albinism
Albinism is a defect of melanin production that causes little or no color to skin, hair, or eyes.
Archibald Garrod discovered it in 1908 in London.
The earliest records were found in Germany and Rome.
Aulus Gellius and Plinius Secundus the Elder were the first two individuals to recognize this disease.

3. How was it named?
Albino comes from the Latin word “Albus” which means “white” in English.
It uses the word “white” to describe the skin color of the person with the disease.

4. Symptoms and Treatment
Some symptoms are:
Lighter hair color
Patchy/missing skin
Rapid eye movement
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Vision problems or functional blindness
Treatments include:
Depends on severity of the disorder
Reduce sunburn
Avoid sun rays
Either cover body completely in sunscreen or attempt to not expose skin to rays by completely covering body

5. How is it passed on?
For the child to have albinism, the albinism gene from the father and the albinism gene from the mother both have to passed on to the kid.
The kid needs to have both albinism genes from each parent to have albinism, not just one.
If they only have one albino gene, then the child will be considered a “carrier” of an albinism gene.
Albinism is controlled by a recessive trait.

6. Interesting Information
There is no set cure for albinism
Wearing glasses can help pigment
the eyes
In medieval times, albinos were
often killed because they were said
to be apart of witchcraft
Albinism can effect plants, animals,
and humans
Some people with albinism can have
yellow or red hair
Their eyes can be deep blue, red, or
dark brown

7. Sources
Board, A.D.A.M. Editorial. Albinism. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Jan Web. 21 Feb
"Who Discovered It." Who Discovered It. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb
"KidsHealth." Albinism. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2013