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Characteristics of Albino Children

Albinism is a genetic disorder that inhibits human skin from producing melanin. Albinism is present from birth and, although it tends to run in families, the disorder is not contagious. Albino children have the same mental, social and emotional capacities as their peers. Albinism does not affect overall brain development, and many albinos can live highly functional, normal lifestyles. The identifying characteristics of albinism in children are primarily physical.

  1. Pale Skin

    • Due to the lack of melanin in their bodies, albino children typically have very milky or translucent skin. Such children are generally unable to tan, but will burn easily after even minimal exposure to the sun. It is important to understand that just because your child has very fair skin, that does not mean he has albinism. Without a diagnosis, it can be very difficult to distinguish between children with naturally pale skin and those with albinism.

    Light Hair

    • Children with albinism usually have either very light, white or colorless hair. However, a fair head of hair does not necessarily indicate albinism. As with skin tone, it can be difficult to determine whether your child's hair coloration is simply light or if it is the result of albinism. Many albinos have never been diagnosed because their hair and skin tones, although pale, are well within the range of normal.

    Eye Color

    • Although albino children are traditionally expected to have red or violet eyes, such is not always the case. In fact, the majority of albinos have either light blue or gray eyes. Some may even have brown or hazel eyes. If you notice that your child has red or violet eyes, then she may have albinism. However, normally, colored eyes do not automatically mean the presence of albinism.

    Poor Vision

    • All albino children have at least some degree of vision loss. This can range from slight and correctable to legal blindness. An albino child's eyes may also move in unusual patterns that include crossing and jerking. The lack of melanin in an albino's body inhibits them from forming visual neural pathways. The visual problems associated with albinism pose the greatest hurdle to normal development and learning.

    Associated Difficulties

    • The many types of albinism manifest themselves differently. Although the majority of albino children have no real difficulties outside of their vision, some may have hearing or breathing difficulties as a result of the specific kind of albinism they have.

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