Griscelli syndrome

Griscelli Syndrome is a rare disease that makes your hair turn white or silver, and affects your immune system.

Think of your hair as a coat. Just like a coat, your hair has different colors. Sometimes, the coat is all white, and other times, it is black or brown. It's the same with hair. It's called melanin, and it gives color to our hair, eyes and skin.

In Griscelli Syndrome, there is a problem with how the body produces melanin, the color pigments of our skin, eyes, and hair. This is because there is a defect in one of the genes that control melanin production. This means that people with Griscelli Syndrome have white or silver hair because their body makes much less of the pigment.

Additionally, the immune system in people with Griscelli Syndrome works differently because of the same gene defect. This means they are more likely to get sick because their body's defense system is weaker.

However, doctors can help people with Griscelli Syndrome by treating some of their symptoms, like infection, if they do get sick. They can also recommend ways to stay healthy, like washing their hands often and wearing a mask when around people who are sick.