Xeroderma Pigmentosum free essay sample

In the case of N. M. , sunscreen is used as a treatment more so than as prophylaxis. Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) is a disease caused by genetic mutations in DNA. N. M. inherited these mutated genes from each parent; resulting in his condition. Since XP is genetic, prophylaxis is currently non-existent for this rare disorder. However, genetic testing of both parents is available to determine the probability of a child being born with the disease. N. M. s parents could have revealed the possibility of XP being passed on to him through genetic counseling. This recessive condition is distinguished by the inability of DNA to be repaired from damage inflicted by UV light. The sun is the most common and harmful source of UV light, producing UVB rays. Though there are no preventative measures in the development of N. M. ’s disease; there are treatment options. The main treatment for XP is ensuring that N. We will write a custom essay sample on Xeroderma Pigmentosum or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page M. is protected from the sun; which greatly impacts the DNA impairment leading to cancer. Sunscreens can be used as an aid to manage XP. He should use sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher as part of his regimen. Sunscreens with compounds composed of chemicals absorb and/or those with opaque materials deflect UVA, and more importantly UVB rays. The UVB rays are an increased hazard to cancer development in several ways. Therefore; it is important for N. M. to use sunscreen when having any contact with UV light to ensure that UVB rays are being restricted from harming cells. Sunscreens alone do not suffice as the entire treatment; since any exposure to the sun is still dangerous to N. M. This is attributed to his increased sensitivity to sunlight. Protective clothing should be worn as well. It is advisable for N. M. to completely avoid the sun whenever possible. If he were to suffer from sunburn, his length of recovery would be abnormally longer than usual or would generate blistering. Even with the use of sunscreen, skin damage may still take place. The unrepaired DNA caused by his disease initiates changes in the cells. These changes and the forming of unrepaired cells may lead him to develop skin cancer. Skin cancer in XP occurs as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. UVB rays cause immonusupression that allows for cancer cells to grow and reproduce. CPDs are also a consequence of UVB rays; which encourages the formation of skin cancer. If N. M. were to develop a malignancy, his mortality rate would greatly increase. When cancer is of concern, sunscreen would help to assist N. M. ’s treatment by protecting him from the formation and growth of these cells caused by sun rays. People who do not carry the disease often link the use of sunscreen with prophylaxis. Sunscreen is often thought of as a preventative tool against sun damage and skin cancer. N. M. also uses sunscreen to deflect these risks, but does not use sunscreen as prophylaxis since he has already developed a disease that perpetuates these hazards. Sunscreens are part of an overall treatment to improve N. M. ’s condition; though there are arguments that it is used as prophylaxis to prevent the worsening of the condition.