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Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a group of rare skin disorders that makes the skin very sensitive to sunlight. The disease stops the body from repairing cell damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Children who inherit this disease have skin problems soon after birth. Changes in the pigment of the skin can lead to many skin cancers. The disease sometimes affects the eyes. And it may cause delayed development or intellectual disability.

Last Revised: December 17, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

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