PAVEL LESNIKOV

albinism

Albinism is the complete or partial absence of melanin in the body. It can affect eyes, skin, hair color. Albinism affects people of all countries and continents, its frequency worldwide is estimated to be approximately one in 17,000.

Today, albinism has become a rather aestheticized topic — albino models are in great demand, for some, such an appearance is akin to a fetish. But, nevertheless, it is important to understand that albinism is a genetic mutation that entails a number of serious health restrictions.

For example, direct sunlight is strictly contraindicated for me. Sunburn is the least you can pay. The risk of skin cancer among albinos is incredibly high.

Like all people with albinism, I have poor eyesight and photophobia. Due to vision problems, serious physical activity, weightlifting, etc. are also contraindicated for me.

Albinism does not particularly interfere with my life, especially in Russian realities. In Russia, with the exception of the summer period, there is not so much sun to put my health at significant risk.

I am extremely happy that I was not born in an African country — the local population is mired in myths and superstitions about albinos. There is a real hunt for albinos and their body parts. Despite the fact that, due to the prevalence of incestuous unions, albinos are found there 5 times more often than in other parts of the world. There is a popular belief in Zimbabwe that raping an albino woman cures AIDS. Or you might be killed for some kind of fertility talisman. At the same time, people know precious little about albinism — for instance, that albinos need to protect themselves from the sun. And those who do know just cannot afford it because of widespread poverty and the inability to get a cream with a high level of SPF.

Therefore, skin cancer in its most advanced forms is extremely common there. In order to save albinos, entire closed boarding schools are being created, beyond the walls of which they cannot (and do not want) to go out for their own safety.

In my case, I just have to regularly answer questions like why I dye my hair and whether I’m tired of it.