Can You Die from Xp Disease

Normal cells are usually able to fix DNA damage before it causes problems. However, in people with xeroderma pigmentosum, DNA damage is not repaired normally. As more abnormalities form in DNA, cells malfunction and eventually become cancerous or die.

Can xeroderma pigmentosum kill you?

Riley was born with a rare genetic disorder called xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Any exposure of her skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun – even a sliver of light through an open door or a cracked window – could result in a blistering burn, potential malignant cancer, internal organ damage and, eventually, death.

Can you live with XP?

Although XP is a serious disease with the potential for limitation of life expectancy, XP patients can live active lives while at the same time avoiding UV. Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) can serve as a model disease for protection of patients with marked photosensitivity.