Albinism and vitiligo are both conditions that affect skin pigmentation, but they are fundamentally different. Albinism is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce little or no melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This results in very light skin, hair, and eyes, although some people with albinism may have darker hair or eyes. Albinism is present at birth and affects the entire body.
Vitiligo, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. This leads to the development of white patches on the skin, as the melanocytes in those areas are destroyed. Vitiligo usually develops later in life and affects only certain areas of the skin.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Albinism | Vitiligo |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Genetic | Autoimmune |
| Onset | Present at birth | Develops later in life |
| Affected areas | Entire body | Certain areas of the skin |
| Appearance | Very light skin, hair, and eyes | White patches on the skin |
While both albinism and vitiligo can affect people's appearance and cause social stigma, they are distinct conditions with different causes and symptoms.
