Albinoism. Albinismus.
This is a condition where the coloring material is absent from the various tissues of the body, such as the skin, iris, middle coat of the eye and the hair.
Symptoms. — Partial Albinoism presents a mottled appearance of the skin and is most frequently met among negroes. Persons suffering from general albinoism are termed albinos, and may be of any race.
Their skin will be found very delicate and sensitive and of a peculiar lead white; the iris is pink, and there being no black coating within the eyes the pupil will appear red. The hair is very fine and a pure white or delicate straw color. All these appearances manifest themselves at birth.
Treatment. — So far it has been found impossible to devise any beneficial treatment for albinoism. Its sufferers are regarded as freaks of nature, but that does not imply that they are mentally different from others; only their extreme physical sensibility is apt to prove very annoying to them. They are very sensitive to heat and cold, and are far more liable than others to suffer from disease[1]. For these reasons parents should take exceptional precautions in guarding albinos and in regulating their diet and clothing.
[1] Albinism is associated with increased risk of skin cancer and vision defects, but not "disease" in general.
Chédiak–Higashi syndrome, which presents with partial albinism, can increase susceptibility to infections.