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Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic disorder in which there is a decreased ability to repair DNA damage such as that caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. [1] Symptoms may include a severe sunburn after only a few minutes in the sun, freckling in sun-exposed areas, dry skin and changes in skin pigmentation. [1]
This process of absorption works to reduce the risk of DNA damage and the formation of pyrimidine dimers. UVA light makes up 95% of the UV light that reaches earth, whereas UVB light makes up only about 5%. UVB light is the form of UV light that is responsible for tanning and burning. Sunscreens work to protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
However, UVB will cause the formation of freckles and dark spots, both of which are symptoms of photoaging. With constant exposure to UVB rays, signs of photoaging might appear and precancerous lesions or skin cancer may develop. UVA rays are able to penetrate deeper into the skin as compared to UVB rays.
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus experience skin symptoms after sunlight exposure; some types of porphyria are aggravated by sunlight. A rare hereditary condition xeroderma pigmentosum (a defect in DNA repair) is thought to increase the risk of UV-light-exposure-related cancer by increasing photosensitivity.
UV-B light causes crosslinking between adjacent cytosine and thymine bases creating pyrimidine dimers. This is called direct DNA damage. UV-A light creates mostly free radicals. The damage caused by free radicals is called indirect DNA damage. Ionizing radiation such as that created by radioactive decay or in cosmic rays causes breaks in DNA ...
Indirect DNA damage occurs when a UV-photon is absorbed in the human skin by a chromophore that does not have the ability to convert the energy into harmless heat very quickly. [2] Molecules that do not have this ability have a long-lived excited state.
The primary cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) exposure in those with low levels of the skin pigment melanin. [2] [10] The UV light may be from the sun or other sources, such as tanning devices. [2] Those with many moles, a history of affected family members, and poor immune function are at greater risk. [1]
Exposure to UV light during childhood is particularly harmful. [5] Tanning beds have become another common source of ultraviolet radiation. [10] Diagnosis often depends on skin examination, confirmed by tissue biopsy. [2] [3] It remains unclear whether sunscreen affects the risk of basal-cell cancer. [11] Treatment is typically by surgical ...