What characterizes an individual with congenital albinism?

An individual with congenital albinism is characterized by having very little to no melanin, which is the pigment responsible for coloring skin, hair, and eyes. As a result, these individuals typically exhibit white or very light-colored hair and milky or very pale skin. This lack of pigmentation occurs due to genetic mutations that affect the enzymes responsible for melanin production, resulting in reduced or absent melanin. Since melanin plays a significant role in protecting the skin from UV radiation and in normal vision function, those with albinism often face additional risks such as skin sensitivity to sunlight and vision problems. Therefore, the characteristic appearance of white hair and milky skin is a direct reflection of the absence of melanin, distinguishing these individuals from those with typical pigmentation levels.