Is albinism and vitiligo the same?

Definitions


Vitiligo -is a condition that causes depigmentation of patches of skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but research suggests that it may arise from autoimmune, genetic,oxidative stress, neural, or viral causes.

Albinism (from Latin albus, "white"; see extended etymology, also called achromia, achromasia, or achromatosis) is a congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes due to absence or defect of an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. Albinism results from inheritance of recessive gene alleles and is known to affect all vertebrates, including humans. While an organism with complete absence of melanin is called an albino and an organism with only a diminished amount of melanin is described as albinoid. Albinism is associated with a number of vision defects, such as photophobia, nystagmus and astigmatism. Lack of skin pigmentation makes the organism more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancers
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Source of information: http://www.wikipedia.org


The difference

Albinism may at times be mistaken for wide spread vitiligo but they are two absolutely different and unrelated disease entities.
A few of the major differences are, that Albinism is an inheritable disorder, and is present at the time of birth, while Vitiligo is an acquired auto immune disorder of the pigment which starts somewhere after birth. Albinism is a stable disorder which does not spread or improve, while Vitiligo can improve and worsen with treatment as well as on its own.
Albinism is of two types; one in which the whole body including the eyes, the retina, the skin and the hair, all melanin containing areas of the body are involved, and the other which affects only the eyes. Vitiligo on the other hand starts as a patchy disorder which can take many different shapes.

As far as the basic abnormality is concerned, albinism results from a biochemical defect in the making of melanin, while Vitiligo results from autoimmune destruction of the pigment producing cells, the melanocytes.

The most important difference however is that Vitiligo can be improved with treatment while Albinism can not!



source of info: http://www.antivitiligo.com/vitiligo/albinism-and-vitiligo.html


Lets live Beyond Vitiligo

Tips on dealing with emotional impact: children with Vitiligo

Dealing With the Emotional Impact

If your child has vitiligo, you know that even though it isn't dangerous to his or her physical health, it can still be a big deal. Any condition that makes kids look different from their peers can be emotionally tough, especially during the preteen and teen years when everyone's trying so hard to fit in.

Some kids are naturally more resilient and do just fine against these challenges. But others need a bit more help. As a parent you can do a lot to arm your child with confidence and self-esteem.

Here are a few tips:

Don't emphasize the vitiligo or put pressure on your child to cover it up. Your child needs to know your love and acceptance are unconditional.

Remind your child of all the things at which he or she excels — and how none has anything to do with skin color.

Teach your child to be comfortable explaining what vitiligo is — and isn't — to other kids. Once the mystery is taken away, most kids will stop staring and asking questions.

Encourage your child to say "yes" — to play dates, pool parties, trips, and any other experiences he or she might be tempted to pass on because of the vitiligo.

Urge your child to volunteer or get involved in something altruistic. Whether it's a food bank, pet shelter, or a political cause, giving back makes kids feel powerful.

Finally, get emotional support if your child needs it — especially if you see any signs of withdrawal, depression, or anxiety. Counselors, therapists, and vitiligo support groups can help.

Reviewed by: Patrice Hyde, MD