Medical Health Encyclopedia

Xeroderma pigmentosa


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Chromosomes and DNA
Chromosomes and DNA
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Treatment

Children with this condition need total protection from sunlight. Even the light coming through windows and fluorescent bulbs is dangerous.

When these children must go out in the sun, they should wear protective clothing.

Wear high protection (SPF 70 or greater) sunscreen and very dark, UV-protected glasses. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help prevent certain skin cancers.


Support Groups

Xeroderma Pigmentosum Society -- www.xps.org

XP Family Support Group -- www.xpfamilysupport.org


Expectations (prognosis)

Most persons with this condition die of skin cancer early in adulthood.


Complications
  • Change in appearance of skin (disfigurement)
  • Skin cancer

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosa.



Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




Find a Therapist
PR Newswire