albinism

albinism A pigmentation disorder characterized by partial or total lack of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, and iris. Albinism is caused by an autosomal recessive gene and can occur in people of any ethnic background. People with albinism have delicate skin that sunburns and develops skin cancer easily, and they may suffer from eye disorders. See also Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome; vitiligo.