Actinic damage and skin cancer in albinos in northern Tanzania: Findings in 164 patients enrolled in an outreach skin care program

https://doi.org/10.1016/0190-9622(95)90352-6Get rights and content

Abstract

Persons with albinism are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of UV light on their skin. We obtained histories and performed skin examinations on 164 albino patients living in equatorial Africa to determine their sun exposure, sun protection, and sun damage. Many patients did not wear hats and most wore short-sleeved shirts. Except for four infants, all patients had sunburned skin. Actinic cheilitis, actinic keratoses, and skin cancers were detected in many patients. Sun protection methods will be important for prevention of skin damage in albino patients.

Reference (16)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (117)

  • Non-melanoma skin cancer in head and neck

    2018, Revista Medica Clinica Las Condes
  • Dermatological Aspects of Albinism

    2018, Albinism in Africa: Historical, Geographic, Medical, Genetic, and Psychosocial Aspects
  • Epidemiology of Albinism

    2018, Albinism in Africa: Historical, Geographic, Medical, Genetic, and Psychosocial Aspects
  • Albinism: epidemiology, genetics, cutaneous characterization, psychosocial factors

    2019, Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia
    Citation Excerpt :

    The youngest patient with actinic cheilitis was 8 years old. In patients aged over 20 years, 91% had actinic keratosis, whereas among patients over 30 years, this rate was 100%.83 A recent study conducted in Kenya (located along the Equator) involving 151 albinos revealed the presence of serious skin lesions in 80% of patients.

View all citing articles on Scopus

Supported in part by The Skin Cancer Foundation.

View full text