Dispelling themyths about albinism

A Braco mother has spoken of her determination to ensure that her young daughter’s life is not held back by her diagnosis of albinism.

Sixteen-month-old Aarya Nixon was diagnosed with oculocutaneous albinism at just 10 weeks old.

It confirmed what parents Gillian Elliot and Ross Nixon had believed when she was born after noticing her striking white hair.

Tuesday last week marked International Albinism Day and mum Gillian used the day to dispel some of the myths surrounding the diagnosis.

The mum said: “Very few people in our lives knew anything about albinism and many more were aware of the myths that surround it than the accurate details of the condition.

“We very quickly adopted the mindset that we wouldn’t let Aarya’s albinism hold her back in life.

“In fact, we quickly learned to embrace how unique it has made her.”

Ms Elliot added that myths and misunderstandings leave people believing that those with the condition have red eyes.

Aarya has restricted vision through her blue eyes, but in other cases the lack of pigment can see light shine through the retina to highlight the blood vessels, given them a red appearance.

Albinism is a recorded as a genetic condition.

It is caused by a lack of melanin in the body.

It can affect the eyes, hair and skin.

The condition leaves individuals more vulnerable to the sun’s rays and has been associated with a higher risk of skin cancer.

In Aarya’s case she has to have factor 50+ sun screen applied daily between April and October to help protect her.