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Definition Return to top
Xeroderma pigmentosa is an inherited inability to repair DNA damage from ultraviolet light.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Xeroderma pigmentosa is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Those affected are extremely sensitive to the ultraviolet portion of sunlight. Ultraviolet light exposure damages DNA (the genetic material within a cell) in skin cells.
Normally, peoples' bodies can repair this damage. However, people with xeroderma pigmentosa cannot repair the damaged DNA and rapidly develop skin atrophy (thinning), splotchy pigmentation, spidery blood vessels in the skin (telangiectasia), and skin cancers.
Skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell skin cancers are fairly easy to treat and have a low rate of metastasis. Squamous cell cancer is more difficult to treat, and melanoma has a very high rate of spreading to other organs.
Affected people develop increasing disfigurement following any intermittent exposure to sunlight. Malignant (cancerous) skin lesions are often present before the child is 5 years old.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
There may be a family history of xeroderma pigmentosa.The following tests can help diagnose the disorder before birth:
The following tests can help diagnose the disorder after the birth of the child:
Treatment Return to top
Children with this condition require total protection from sunlight. In addition, light coming through window glass and light from fluorescent bulbs is also dangerous. When some sunlight exposure cannot be avoided, protective clothing should cover the skin.
High protection (SPF 30 or greater) sunscreen and very dark, UV-protected glasses should be worn. Trials of medications to help prevent skin cancers are currently being performed.
Support Groups Return to top
Visit www.xps.org for more information and support.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Most affected people die of malignancy early in adulthood.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosa.Prevention Return to top
Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of xeroderma pigmentosa. Intrauterine diagnosis is possible from cultured amniotic cells that exhibit the inability to repair DNA. Update Date: 8/15/2003 Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |