How to Care for the Skin of Children with Albinism? 4 Strategies

The skin of children with albinism requires specific care. Do you know what it involves? Here, we'll tell you what you need to know.

Written and verified by the dermatologist Maria del Carmen Hernandez.

Last update: 02 November, 2023

Although albinism doesn’t affect the general health of children, it causes very sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide children with albinism with special care to protect their skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The skin of children with albinism lacks the natural protection provided by the pigment melanin, leaving them highly susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

This means an increased risk of sunburn, premature skin damage, and, most worryingly, a significant increase in the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life. In this article, we’ll explore some recommendations and precautions to care for an albino child’s skin and ensure their well-being.

What is albinism?

Albinism in children is a rare genetic condition in which there’s a reduced production or complete absence of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Therefore, all 3 of these systems can be affected in albino children.

Also, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus classifies different types of albinism, the most common being the following:

• Oculocutaneous albinism: There’s an absence of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes.
• Ocular albinism: The lack of pigmentation is limited to the eyes alone.

Symptoms of albinism in children

According to the Nemours Children’s Hospital, the most common symptoms of this condition include:

• Absent or reduced pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes,
• Very light or pale skin that’s extremely sensitive to the sun and prone to sunburn,
• White or light blond hair,
• Light-colored eyes, such as blue or gray, and reduced pigmentation in the iris,
• Visual problems, such as reduced visual acuity, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and nystagmus (uncontrollable eye movements).

Skin care for children with albinism

Albino children are very susceptible to developing skin problems due to their lack of pigmentation and extreme sensitivity to the sun. Below, we’ll list different care strategies to protect their delicate skin.

1. Baths and showers with warm water

Hot water can further dry out an albino child’s skin. Therefore, it’s best to use lukewarm water during baths and showers to avoid excessive dryness.

Even in cold climates, albino children’s skin can become drier due to low temperatures and exposure to wind. For this reason, after bathing, it’s a good idea to apply a moisturizing cream.

2. Adequate sun protection

Sun protection is essential for albino children. For this reason, here are some measures that should be taken:

• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours of ultraviolet radiation (between 10 am and 4 pm).
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. In addition, apply it generously to all exposed areas of the skin, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even after swimming or sweating.
• Dress your child in sun-protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
• Use sunglasses with UV protection to protect the eyes of children with albinism.

3. Avoid contact with chemical irritants

The skin of albino children may be more sensitive to harsh chemicals in certain cleaning agents, detergents, soaps, and lotions. To minimize skin discomfort, it’s important to use mild products that don’t contain fragrances or irritating ingredients.

4. Adequate hydration

Albino children’s skin also tends to be drier, so it’s important to keep it well-hydrated. Some recommendations for this include:

• Regularly applying a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer to the child’s skin to prevent dryness and irritation.
• Use mild skin cleansers and avoid cosmetic products containing irritating ingredients.
• Drink enough water to maintain good hydration from the inside.
• Apply a thicker cream or ointment to the areas most prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and heels.

Additional precautions

In addition to sun protection and moisturizing, there are other precautions to take to care for an albino child’s skin.

• Avoid the use of sun lamps and tanning beds, as they can increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
• Avoid any type of medication that increases skin photosensitivity.
• Be aware of skin changes and seek medical attention if unusual lesions or moles appear.
• Educate yourself, caregivers, and teachers about the special needs of albino children in terms of sun protection and skin care.

The albino child’s skin and dermatologic management

Albino children require special attention to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun and maintain their overall well-being. By providing an environment that’s safe and aware of their specific needs, we can help them lead a healthy and happy life.

Always remember to consult a dermatologist for additional, personalized advice on skin care for albino children.