Although leukemia is characterized by the progressive and uncontrolled proliferation of leukocytes and their naive cells in the bone marrow or other hematopoietic tissues, it is not limited to the bone marrow or hematopoietic tissues, but can also involve the heart, lungs, spleen, urinary system, reproductive system, central nervous system and other organs of the body. It is commonly referred to as cutaneous leukemia.
Some people are born with a different skin color: they have dark skin while others around them have white skin.
This gives their birth a mysterious character.
In some countries in East Africa, they believe that the stumps of albinos can bring good luck, but this luck does not bring them per se.
There are also some Africans who believe that the limbs of albinos have magical powers that can cure all diseases, just like the ancient Chinese Tang Monk’s meat.
In other places, albinos are believed to be ‘monsters’ that bring bad luck, and they may be killed or abandoned and abused at birth.
…… Albinism is really just a congenital skin disease that manifests itself as a partial or complete loss of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes, thus ‘standing out’.
Is albinism white all over?
Albinism is a disease that lacks pigment, but it does not have to be completely devoid of pigment.
The skin of albinos is light red; the hair may be white, light yellow, blond, light gray, light brown, etc. Some adults may also have black hair on the ends of the limbs; the iris of the eyes may be red, greenish gray, light brown, etc. due to lack of pigment.
In some cases, the onset of the disease is limited to the eyes, with complete or partial loss of melanin in the retina and iris and normal pigmentation in the skin and hair elsewhere.
Is there any other damage in albinism besides whiteness?
Albinos have ophthalmologic abnormalities such as thin sclera, pupillary distortion, lack of lens, microphthalmia, horizontal nystagmus, myopia, hyperopia, hypermetropia, and photophobia.
In addition, due to the lack of skin pigmentation, the skin is sensitive to ultraviolet light and is more susceptible to damage caused by sunlight than normal people.
People with albinism-related syndromes also have abnormal immune function or a tendency to bleed.
How is albinism prevented and treated?
There is no effective treatment for albinism and it can only be prevented through eugenics.
However, the lack of vision caused by albinism can be improved with glasses. Other eye damage can be treated surgically if necessary.
There are two main prevention measures: avoiding consanguineous marriages is an important preventive measure; prenatal genetic diagnosis is also an important safeguard to prevent the birth of children with albinism.
What should I pay attention to in my life if I have albinism?
It is important to avoid strong sunlight exposure.
You should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when you must be in strong sunlight. Pan-Albinism should also be protected from the sun with clothing, umbrellas and external sunscreens (sunscreen).
Are there any dietary contraindications?
Since vitamin C can inhibit melanin production or reduce melanin, people with albinism should avoid eating large amounts of foods rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi and oranges.
No foods have been found to promote the formation of melanosomes in albinos.