Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)

A very rare genetic skin disease, important to diagnose early because failure to protect against light in early childhood can increase the chance of a child developing skin cancer later. In many patients it causes severe sunburn reactions which occur even when the sun to which the child has been exposed is not that strong. The dermatologist will also look for an unusual type of freckling pattern on exposed skin. It is diagnosed by a test which involves having a skin biopsy (i.e. a small piece of skin cut out). It can also cause eye problems and problems in the brain in a few patients.Accordian content