Last Sunday, June 13th marked International Albinism Awareness Day. Persons living with Albinism have little or no melanin in their skin to protect them from the harmful sun rays. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of the skin, hair and eyes. The darker the skin, the more melanin it produces and vice versa.
After exposure to the sun, some albinos may develop freckles and moles, usually pink in colour due to reduced quantities in pigment, Albinos usually have lighter coloured skin and hair than other members of their family. Vision problems are are also common to them. After expos
Albinism is a genetic condition that has no cure but some symptoms can be treated. The most common cause of albinism is an interruption in the functioning of the enzyme tyrosinase. According to statistics, there is an estimated 1 in 70 people who carry the albinism genes. The following are lifestyle tips for albinos to adopt:
1. Albinos should protect themselves from the intense sun rays by wearing sunscreen on the exposed part of their skins. They should go out with hats that cover their face and necks. They should always wear protective clothing to protect their skins. They can still look fabulous in such wear and not drabbed or frustrated.
2. Albinos should wear UV protective sunglasses for their eyes and skins around them. This is because they are vulnerable to cancer. They should learn to avoid the sun when it is normally intense.
3. Albinos should always stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. This way they detoxify their skin keeping it fresh and nice.
4. They should eat healthy meals. Fruits and vegetables are the surest bet. Research shows that a diet rich in fish oil or its supplements and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates would promote younger looking skin.
5. They should exercise regularly. This would manage any stress level. Stress can make their skin more sensitive to breakouts and other skin issues. Albinos should get enough sleep to relax their muscles and allow their skin to rejuvenate.
6. They should invest in moisturisers, avoid insect bites and injuries that can take long to heal and leave scars. Strong soaps and detergents should be avoided on the skin instead they should use mild soaps.
7. Finally, they should live life to the fullest. It is not a death sentence or pandemic, albinos should do what makes them happy.