Xeroderma pigmentosum
A genetic disease that is characterized by such extraordinary sensitivity to sunlight that it results in the development of skin cancer at a very early age. Abbreviated XP. Children with XP can only play outdoors safely after nightfall. XP is due to defective repair of damage done to DNA by ultraviolet (UV) light. Whereas normal persons can repair UV-induced damage by inserting new bases into the DNA, XP patients cannot. A person with XP develops severe sunburn and eye irritation within minutes of exposure to sunlight. Other features of XP include very dry skin (xeroderma), blisters on the skin, heavy freckling, and dark spots on the skin. XP is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Defects in multiple genes have been identified that lead to XP. Avoiding UV light and using the highest level of sunscreen possible when exposure cannot be avoided helps prevent complications.
Read Also:
- Xerogram
A picture of the body recorded on paper rather than on film. Also called a xeroradiograph. From the Greek “xeros” meaning “dry.”
- Xeromammography
Xeroradiography of the breast. Xeroradiography is a photoelectric method of recording an x-ray image on a coated metal plate, using low-energy photon beams, long exposure time and dry chemical developers. The prefix xero- comes from the Greek “xeros” meaning “dry.”
- Xerophagia
Having a tendency to eat a dry diet.
- Xerophthalmia
Dry eyes. Xerophthalmia can be associated with systemic diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis; deficiency of vitamin A; and use of some medications. It results from inadequate function of the lacrimal glands, which produce tears. When xerophthalmia is due to vitamin A deficiency, the condition begins with night blindness and […]
- Xeroradiograph
A picture of the body recorded on paper rather than on film. Also called a xerogram. From the Greek “xeros” meaning “dry.”