Albinism: meaning, definitions and examples

Albinism is best used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a genetic condition where there is a total or partial lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. This term is also used when talking about the social and cultural aspects of living with the condition.

• People with albinism often need to be careful in the sun because their skin burns easily.
• Albinism is a genetic condition that can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Hypopigmentation is often used in clinical or dermatological settings to describe areas of the skin where there is less pigment than normal. This term is useful when referring to a symptom rather than a specific disease.

• Hypopigmentation can appear after an injury or inflammation of the skin.
• During the examination, the dermatologist noted several patches of hypopigmentation on the patient's legs.

Hypomelanosis is a more technical term used in dermatology or medical contexts to describe a reduced amount of melanin in the skin. It's typically used when discussing specific skin conditions or medical diagnoses.

• The doctor diagnosed the patient with hypomelanosis after observing the light patches on her skin.
• Hypomelanosis can result from various factors, including genetic mutations and inflammatory skin diseases.

Use this term when discussing the genetic condition that results in a reduction or total absence of melanin production in the body.

• Albinism affects many species, including humans, animals, and plants
• People with albinism often require special skin and eye care

This term is often used in layman's terms to describe areas of the skin, hair, or eyes that do not have the typical color due to reduced or absent melanin. It is less technical and can apply to temporary conditions as well.

• The lack of pigmentation in her birthmark made it stand out against her otherwise tan skin
• Certain medical conditions can lead to a lack of pigmentation in patches of skin

This phrase is typically used in scientific or medical contexts to specifically describe the lack of melanin without necessarily referring to the broader implications of the genetic condition.

• The absence of melanin in the skin cells was confirmed through laboratory tests
• The patient's condition was characterized by an absence of melanin in their hair and eyes