Xeroderma pigmentosum is a disorder of the skin that is capable of making a person sensitive to sunlight. This condition is known to cause those who suffer from it to experience premature aging. People who develop this rare and very serious skin disorder often are susceptible to skin cancers. This condition is caused by a defect in the repair system of a person’s DNA. This is a condition that is inherited. In order to inherit this skin disorder, someone must inherit the gene from both of their parents. That is what makes this condition so rare. Couples who both carry the gene for this condition often produce children with this medical problem. They are also more than likely to have more than one child with this condition. Xeroderma pigmentosum affects people of all nationalities, ages, and genders.
The Three Stages Of Xeroderma Pigmentosum
After exposure to the sun, the skin may appear to be red, scaling, or even freckling. Dark spots may also begin to appear on the skin due to Xeroderma pigmentosum.
The condition will begin to spread to other areas of the body like the neck and the legs.
During the winter, the appearance of skin redness might diminish.
Nearly eighty percent of the people who suffer from Xeroderma pigmentosum have eye problems or vision problems of some sort. Those who suffer from Xeroderma pigmentosum often find themselves with pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. Growths on the eye that are not cancerous can also occur with this skin condition. They eyes also become sensitive to the sun, causing a burning sensation whenever exposed to sunlight. Neurological problems can be caused by Xeroderma pigmentosum in children. These problems can affect motor skills. Deafness, developmental delays, and a short stature can also be caused by Xeroderma pigmentosum when developed in early childhood. There is not currently a cure for Xeroderma pigmentosum, but there are a few things that folks can do to avoid the sun and protect themselves.
Prevention Of Xeroderma Pigmentosum
- Avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
- When planning on spending an extended period of time outside, it is best to wear long sleeves to avoid sun exposure. Lather on SPF sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a hat to protect sensitive skin.
- See your doctor or dermatologist to get checked out for various skin cancers and conditions often.
- Start testing as soon as you turn twenty years of age.
- Make sure that you are getting plenty of vitamin A. It has been linked to preventing Xeroderma pigmentosum, although it is not clear why vitamin A helps.
Treatment Options For Xeroderma Pigmentosum
- Cryotheraphy
- 5 flourouracil cream
- isotretinoin
Xeroderma pigmentosum can cause those who suffer from it to have a very short lifespan because they become more prone to skin cancers and other deadly conditions. Those who are at risk for Xeroderma pigmentosum should make an appointment to be checked for skin cancers by their doctor every three to six months.
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