Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Everybody possesses skin that is sensitive to the sun. This is the reason why people tan and sunburn. It is also the reason behind age spots, freckles, and skin cancers. Some people have more sensitive skin than others. People with extreme sensitivity to sunlight suffer from a rare disorder, known as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).
Patients with this condition must protect their skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. Anything emitting UV light, such as certain types of light bulbs and the sun can cause damage to their skin. Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nugyen, provides safe and proven skin care procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum Increases Skin Cancer Risk
The skin in case of people with XP cannot protect itself from UV light. This increases their risk of developing skin cancer. In some cases, it can raise the risk to 10,000-fold. Most children with this rare genetic disorder contract cancer before attaining the age of 10. They develop pre-cancerous growths on their body at an even younger age.
Pre-cancerous growth and skin cancer develops because it takes time for diagnosing XP.
Accurate Diagnosis is Vital
It is important to find out if you think your child may be suffering from XP. People with this condition require expert medical care and extreme sun protection. Xeroderma Pigmentosum is untreatable and nobody ever outgrows it. You may need a board certified dermatologist for getting an accurate diagnosis.
A dermatologist can help you:
- Reduce the risk of contracting skin cancer
- Treat skin cancer before it has a chance of spreading
- Coordinate medical care with other professionals
It may become necessary to see other health care professionals since patients with XP can develop several related health concerns. This can be issues with their hearing, eyesight, and spastic muscles.
It may sound difficult to cope with all of this, but Aimee Milota is doing a fantastic job of making her life large despite XP. You can read about the life of this active teenager at ‘Living with extreme chronic skin cancer risk’.
Dermatologists Can Help with XP
Dermatologists continue to make advancements in the field of medication for XP to help improve the lives of their patients. These are a few breakthroughs:
- Improvement in protection from sun
- Medications for reducing the risk of skin cancer
- Insight on the prevention of skin cancer
Everybody can benefit from this research. Majority of Americans have sun-sensitive skin with millions developing skin cancer each year. Sun protection can help prevent skin cancer, which makes it beneficial for everybody.
Improving the Outlook
Presently, XP has no cure. Skin cancer at an early age is common in many people with XP. People may have a better chance at preventing skin cancer if they get the right diagnosis. Symptoms of XP can be managed better with an early diagnosis that helps in improving the overall outlook.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced skin care treatments.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
