Non-healing sores, sign of skin cancer among Albinos – Dermatologist
NAN-HG-2
Albinos
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, July 5, 2017 (NAN)Dr Olanrewaju Falodun, a Consultant Dermatologist at National Hospital, Abuja, has advised persons with albinism to seek medical attention for non-healing ulcers and unusual growth on their skin.
Falodun gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He warned that such presentation could be early signs of skin cancer.
According to him, early presentation is crucial in the treatment of skin cancers among albinos.
“The outcome of treatment of skin cancers among albinos has been poor over the years; however, poverty and ignorance are the main reasons for this.
“Majority of these patients present the condition late and mostly at an advanced stage which becomes a challenge.
“Late presentation at the hospital, failure to complete treatment as well as lack of radiotherapy services at most centres are major challenges in caring for these patients.
“This is partly due to lack of funds as well as low community awareness on the importance of early reporting to hospital for early diagnosis and treatment,’’ he said.
According to Falodun, skin cancer is more common among persons with albinism due to the absence of melanin.
Melanin is a photo protective pigment which protects the skin from harmful effects of the sun.
Its deficiency predisposes albinos to ultraviolet radiation from the sun resulting to skin cancer and visual impairment among others.
Falodun said that public enlightenment and education on skin protective measures were essential in preventing skin cancers among persons with albinism.
“To achieve this, persons with albinism must avoid undue exposure to the sun, especially from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
“They should use sunscreens, wear protective clothing; avoid sleeveless attires and use long sleeved attires as well as bowler hats.
“The government and private employers of labour should also engage their Albino staff in indoor rather than outdoor duties,” he said.
Falodun also decried the high financial burden of treating Albinos with skin cancer which at times overwhelms the hospital system.
He said that in spite of scarce resources, the hospital priotised the treatment of albinos because there is a commitment to offer free treatment for them from the Federal Government.
He advised that the use of preventive measures, early presentation and treatment, as well as follow-up should be encouraged for a better outcome. (NAN)
TIM/DOE/MST
Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Muhammad Suleiman Tola