Have you ever watched the rising sun or gazed it transcending into the darkness? I guess most of you do this every day in your life. But Riley McCoy isn’t allowed, not at least without any protection sheets!
Riley McCoy aged 17 waits all day to enjoy her time out of the window glasses because of a rare inherited disorder which is known as Xeroderma Pigmentosum. In this peculiar disease, any exposure to UV rays causes a blistering burn, potential malignant cancer, internal organ damage and eventually death. Cyclobutane dimmers and 6-4 photoproducts are the causal factors for the above-listed problems. As her DNA lacks the antigen to repair the skin damages, she becomes a prey for the rays.
So, what is Xeroderma pigmentosum?
- Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare form of disease in which the individual falls prey to Ultraviolet rays from the sun due to the inability to repair the damaged skin.
- Any slight exposure to sunlight is forbidden.
- If the person has to move out of the house, he/she has to wear protective sheets in order to cover up the naked parts.
- Individuals with this disease are often colloquially referred as “Moon child“.
- Corneal ulcerations, dry skin, spider veins, solar keratoses are some of the symptoms indicating the absence of immunity level.
Facts about Xeroderma pigmentosum:
- In general, 1 in 250,000 people get affected by XP.
- The gene frequency for XP is 1:200.
- This genetic disorder is more common in the Middle East and Japan.
- Till now, no cure or medications are available to fight this disorder. The standard treatment protocol includes avoiding sun exposure and protection sheets if it’s necessary to go out.
- Every 3 months, the patient has to visit the dermatologist and to have eye checkup.