Cutaneous Dermatosis in Persons Living with Albinism in Kaduna — Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Albinism is a congenital autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Nigeria is ranked amongst the highest in the world with an estimated figure of over two million. Albinism is associated with several skin anomalies such as freckles, thickening and wrinkling of the skin, yellowish-brown hair, and a high incidence of skin cancers, among others. In Nigeria, there are few studies on skin disorders associated with albinism in the north.
This study is aimed at identifying skin anomalies among albinos and also to identify factors related to these skin changes.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during the 2022 World Albinism Day at Kaduna. All Fifty-one Albinos who were in attendance were recruited. Records of the patient’s age, gender, use of sunscreen, and family history of Albinism were noted. An evaluation of the skin lesions was made clinically. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 22.4 years ±16.5. The respondents were mostly males. Twenty-nine respondents had more than one skin lesion these include –freckles, solar elastosis, Squamous cell carcinoma of the ear lobe, and a case of congenital ectropion. Thirty-six individuals (71%) had a family history of albinism and ten (20%) used sunscreen consistently and correctly.

Conclusion: Dermatoses are common among individuals living with albinism. Since dermatoses are related to exposure to sunlight, counseling on the use of sunscreens and other measures to reduce sun exposure is essential in people living with albinism. 

Keywords: Albinism, Sun protection, Kaduna, Squamous cell carcinoma.