Albinism
Albinism is a genetic mutation that effects pokemon, and sometimes humans. It causes it's host to be unable to produce melanin, resulting in them looking bleached white or pinkish.
Though similar to shininess, albinism is both rarer and can present more challenges to those who are born with it.
Though similar to shininess, albinism is both rarer and can present more challenges to those who are born with it.
Transmission & Vectors
The offspring of pokemon and humans with albinism are slightly more likely to have the condition.
Causes
Albinism is a random genetic mutation, and thus occurs randomly before a human or pokemon is born.
Symptoms
Albinism's most visible symptom is the appearance it gives those who have it - without being able to produce any melanin, pokemon and humans with this condition have skin that appears white or pink, as well as other body features appearing either white or pink.
Aside from the condition effecting the appearance, humans and pokemon with a lot of uncovered skin can be at high risk of skin conditions from sunlight, as they have no pigment to protect them. This is often deadly for species that live exclusively in sunny areas and grass types that need to photosynthesize.
In fact, albino grass-types will always die in the wild, as all wild grass-types rely on the sun in some way, with outliers being a very, very rare case. Albino grass-types can survive in captivity, but caring for them is expensive.
Those with albinism also might have trouble seeing, as a result of lack of pigmentation in the eyes.
Albino pokemon in the wild have a very poor chance of survival, unless they come from a species that already possesses a white coat. But for most pokemon, a bleached white colour negates all camouflage and makes them an easy target for predators.
Aside from the condition effecting the appearance, humans and pokemon with a lot of uncovered skin can be at high risk of skin conditions from sunlight, as they have no pigment to protect them. This is often deadly for species that live exclusively in sunny areas and grass types that need to photosynthesize.
In fact, albino grass-types will always die in the wild, as all wild grass-types rely on the sun in some way, with outliers being a very, very rare case. Albino grass-types can survive in captivity, but caring for them is expensive.
Those with albinism also might have trouble seeing, as a result of lack of pigmentation in the eyes.
Albino pokemon in the wild have a very poor chance of survival, unless they come from a species that already possesses a white coat. But for most pokemon, a bleached white colour negates all camouflage and makes them an easy target for predators.
Treatment
Albinism cannot be cured, but its effects can be reduced by using sunblock and related skin treatments to prevent sun damage.
Sequela
Skin diseases can be a result of albinism due to over-exposure to the sun.
Affected Groups
Any human can be albino, and all pokemon (save for artificial pokemon i.e. magnemite, voltorb, etc) can be albino. However, pokemon who don't have fur or feathers covering their skin, pokemon who stay out in the sun for most of their day, and grass-types feel the effects the hardest.
Cultural Reception
As albino pokemon are rarer than shiny pokemon, they're even more prized by the wealthy, scientists, and collectors. They're considered an awe to see, especially in the wild, and are quite spoiled by their owners.
Type
Genetic
Origin
Natural
Cycle
Chronic, Congenital
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Affected Species
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