Xeroderma Pigmentoso is a rare and inherited genetic disease characterized by the hypersensitivity of the skin to uv rays of the sun, resulting in dry skin and the presence of numerous freckles and white spots scattered throughout the body, especially in areas most exposed to the sun, including lips.
This genetic disease has no definitive cure, but treatment can prevent complications and should be followed for life.
- Due to high skin sensitivity.
- People diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosa have an increased risk of developing premalignant lesions or skin cancer and it is important to wear sunscreen above 50 SPF daily and appropriate clothing.
The disease usually occurs in childhood and is manifested by a greater tendency of the child to have severe burns after a few minutes of sun exposure, in addition to the appearance of freckles on the face, arms and lips before age 2.
The onset of Xeroderma Pigmentosa is linked to a mutation of genes responsible for DNA repair after exposure to ultraviolet rays; due to the alteration of the DNA repair process, the person may have symptoms of Xeroderma Pigmentoso, the severity of which may vary depending on the affected person.gene and type of mutation. The main symptoms are:
Symptoms usually appear during childhood, up to age 10, however, from that age, the person may begin to develop symptoms related to skin cancer.Learn how to identify skin cancer symptoms.
People with these symptoms should consult a dermatologist to diagnose and analyze skin lesions and initiate appropriate treatment.
The treatment for Xeroderma Pigmentoso should be carried out according to the type of injury that the person presents.
Premalignant injuries
For premalignant lesions, topical treatment, oral vitamin D replenishment, and preventive measures may be recommended to prevent the progression of lesions, such as the use of a daily protector with a high rate of sun protection, focusing activities at the end of the afternoon.or at night, wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, sunglasses with UV protection factor, as well as avoiding the use of fluorescent lamps indoors.He also learns to avoid skin cancer.
Malignant lesions:
In the case of malignant injuries, surgery may be needed to eliminate injuries that appear over time, in addition to specific treatment. Find out how skin cancer treatment is done.