Albinism is an inherited disability characterized by a substantially lower rate of melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes.
It protects the skin from damage due to UV radiation exposure hence people with albinism are more sensitive to sun exposure- they may also face discrimination and violence due to their appearance.
Considering the aforementioned challenges, United Nations (UN) established World Albinism Awareness Day in 2014 to emphasize the need to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround albinism.
The theme for World Albinism Awareness Day 2023 is “Inclusion is Strength.” This theme highlights the importance of including people with albinism in all aspects of society, from education and employment to healthcare and social services.
There are many ways to get involved in World Albinism Awareness Day- As SignTV we celebrate persons with Albinism by sharing skin care tips for their extra precautions;
Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF(sun protection factor) of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing. When you are outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat. You may also want to consider wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds emit UVA and UVB rays, which can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
See a dermatologist regularly, a dermatologist can help you monitor your skin for any changes and recommend treatment if necessary.
Moisturize your skin regularly, this will help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out.
Use a gentle cleanser, avoid using harsh cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils.
Exfoliate your skin regularly this will help to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin looking healthy.
Eat a healthy diet a healthy diet can help to improve your overall skin health.
Get enough sleep, getting enough sleep can help to reduce stress, which can also have a negative impact on your skin.