ACTINIC DAMAGE AND SKIN-CANCER IN ALBINOS IN NORTHERN TANZANIA - FINDINGS IN 164 PATIENTS ENROLLED IN AN OUTREACH SKIN CARE PROGRAM

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