Understanding albinism

Understanding Albinism

Medical terms explains albinism as an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and eyes. This is why I do not have a brown skin, dark colored eyes and hair but both my parents have brown skin.  I am told that I have grey/blue colored eyes and I love them.

Caring For My Skin And Eyes

I went to a school that accommodated both partially sighted and blind people.  We were taught from a young age to always use/apply sunscreen with SPF 50 or a higher factor as the sun is very harsh to our skin. Adding to sunscreen I grew up wearing long sleeve shirts and a hat when I go to the sun.  I have a vivid memory when I was young I went to the river and laid on the sand the whole day although my mum refused.  In the evening I started getting huge blisters that took more than two weeks to heal.  Since then I knew and understood that I cannot be in the sun for fun.

Most people with albinism have a short eyesight, with my eyes there is a variance, one eye is strong and the other is weak.  I got my prescription spectacles in primary school.  Later on in life I moved to using contact lenses and I always wear my polarized sunglasses which assists with the sun rays.

Gratitude Note 

Thank you so much for taking your time to read. I cannot wait to share further exciting experiences with you.  Please kindly share this post with as many people as you can as it will help me reach out to the world.

Please feel free to contact me HERE

Welcome to albinism experiences with Ms.T

Who is Thandi Manaswe?

Hello world. My name is Thandi Manaswe, I was born in Siyabuswa (Mpumalanga Province), I currently live in (Gauteng Province) South Africa.

My Upbringing 

Growing up with albinism was very challenging as I am the only one with albinism among three siblings to my parents. Back in those days there was lack of information about albinism as my family and community did not understand how to handle my skin condition.  

Lack Of Information 

When people browse the internet to research about albinism, most of the articles that pop up are medical papers on albinism which explains what albinism is in anatomy or scientifically. I have seen the need to create this blog to let the world into my life experiences and journey as a person who lives with albinism. This blog will serve to raise further awareness, educate and sensitize the world about albinism because people with albinism are taught how to deal with the world however the world is not taught how to deal with albinism.

Gratitude Note 

Thank you so much for taking your time to read. I cannot wait to share further exciting experiences with you.  Please kindly share this post with as many people as you can as it will help me reach out to the world.

Please feel free to contact me HERE