Oculocutaneous Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa: Adverse Sun-Associated Health Effects and Photoprotection

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetically inherited autosomal recessive condition. Individuals with OCA lack melanin and therefore are susceptible to the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, including extreme sun sensitivity, photophobia and skin cancer. OCA is a grave public health...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Photochemistry and photobiology 2015-01, Vol.91 (1), p.27-32
Main Authors: Wright, Caradee Y., Norval, Mary, Hertle, Richard W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Africa South of the Sahara - epidemiology
Albinism
Albinism, Oculocutaneous - epidemiology
Albinism, Oculocutaneous - genetics
Health risks
Human exposure
Humans
Photochemistry
Prevalence
Public health
Skin
Solar radiation
Sunlight
Sunscreening Agents
Ultraviolet radiation
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetically inherited autosomal recessive condition. Individuals with OCA lack melanin and therefore are susceptible to the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, including extreme sun sensitivity, photophobia and skin cancer. OCA is a grave public health issue in sub‐Saharan Africa with a prevalence as high as 1 in 1000 in some tribes. This article considers the characteristics and prevalence of OCA in sub‐Saharan African countries. Sun‐induced adverse health effects in the skin and eyes of OCA individuals are reviewed. Sun exposure behavior and the use of photoprotection for the skin and eyes are discussed to highlight the major challenges experienced by these at‐risk individuals and how these might be best resolved. Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetically inherited autosomal recessive condition. Individuals with OCA lack melanin and therefore are susceptible to the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, including extreme sun sensitivity, photophobia and skin cancer. OCA is a grave public health issue in sub‐Saharan Africa with a prevalence as high as one in 1000 in some tribes. Given the extent of adverse sun‐related health effects experienced among individuals with OCA, commitment to prevention and treatment regimens should be raised as a priority to curb the impact of OCA as a major health problem in sub‐Saharan Africa.
ISSN:0031-8655
1751-1097
DOI:10.1111/php.12359