Xeroderma pigmentosum facts for kids
Xeroderma pigmentosum (say: zer-oh-DER-muh pig-men-TOH-sum), often called XP, is a very rare genetic disorder. This means it's a condition someone is born with because of a change in their DNA.
Normally, when Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun damages the DNA in your skin cells, your body has special tools to fix it. But for people with XP, these tools don't work right. Their body can't repair the DNA damage, which causes many problems.
Contents
What Happens with XP?
People with XP are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Even a small amount of sun can cause severe sunburns and damage their skin. Because of this, they must always stay out of the sun. Sometimes, people with XP are called "Moon children" because they can only go outside safely at night.
XP affects both boys and girls, and people of all backgrounds. In the United States, about 1 in 250,000 people have this condition. In Japan, it's even more common.
Health Challenges
Because their skin can't repair sun damage, people with XP are much more likely to get skin cancer. They are about 1,000 times more likely to develop it than others.
There is no cure for xeroderma pigmentosum right now. However, by staying out of the sun, people can greatly reduce the problems they face.
Common Signs of XP
People with XP have skin that is very sensitive to UV light from the sun. Their skin can also be dry and flaky, with dark spots that can turn into skin cancer.
Other signs include:
- Getting severe sunburns very easily.
- Developing many freckles at a young age.
- Eyes that are sensitive to the sun, often irritated or cloudy.
- Skin that easily blisters.
- Less hair growth on the chest and legs.
- Dry, scaly skin.
Living with XP
The most important way to manage XP is to completely avoid sunlight. This means staying indoors during the day or using very strong protection when outside.
People with XP often need to wear special protective clothes that cover their entire body. They also use high-SPF sunscreen to protect any exposed skin.
Images for kids
-
Child in UV-protective clothing during initial stages of XP
See also
In Spanish: Xerodermia pigmentosa para niños
