Types of photosensitivity
What Conditions Fall under Shadow Jumpers’ assistance?
People with these rare photosensitive conditions typically are extremely sensitive to ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun. This includes UV type A and UV type B. In many case, exposure to too much visible light can lead to internal second degree burns, severe pain, discomfort, swelling and in extreme cases cancer. Other potential complications include. but are not limited to, liver disease and gall bladder issues.
Many of these conditions are considered to be 1 in the millions rare
Shadow Jumpers will take every photosensitive-related conditions and disorders into account when evaluating a submission.
Here are some of the most common diagnoses we encounter.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
An inherited condition resulting in the accumulation of protoporphyrins in red blood cells that causes acute, painful, non-blistering photosensitivity and potential liver disease. It typically presents in early childhood with immediate pain and crying upon exposure to bright sunlight. EPP is a lifelong disease, and repeated photo-toxic reactions eventually lead to thickening of the skin and wax-like scarring on the face.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)
Xeroderma Pigmentosum is caused by mutations in genes that are involved in repairing damaged DNA.When UV rays damage genes that control cell growth and division, cells can either die or grow too fast and in an uncontrolled way. Unregulated cell growth can lead to the development of cancerous tumors. Without sun protection, about half of children with this condition develop their first skin cancer by age 10
Solar Urticaria
Solar urticaria is a rare allergic reaction to sun exposure. The condition causes an itchy rash or hives that appear on any skin that has been exposed to the sun. The more skin that is exposed to sunlight, the more serious the reaction will be.It’s not clear what leads to solar urticaria. Experts believe that it’s an immune reaction. Your immune system mistakenly identifies sun-affected cells as foreign cells. symptoms.
Actinic prurigo (AP)
EP is extremely rare, it is caused by low levels of the same enzyme that causes PCT, UROD. The symptoms of HEP resemble CEP, with skin blistering that usually starts in infancy or early childhood. HEP is a much more severe form of PCT.Skin photosensitivity in HEP results in severe blistering and scarring.
Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria (CEP)
The rarest type of porphyria and is commonly seen in infancy.Skin photosensitivity may be extreme, and can lead to blistering, severe scarring and increased hair growth. Bacteria may infect the damaged skin. Facial features and fingers may be lost through photo-toxic damage as well as infection. Red blood cells have a shortened life-span, and anemia often results.
Polymorphous Light Eruption
Polymorphous light eruption is a rash that affects parts of the body that are exposed to more sunlight as daylight hours get longer, such as the front of the neck and chest. Polymorphous means that the rash can have many forms, such as tiny bumps, raised areas or blisters.
Hepatoerythropoietic Porphyria (HEP)
EP is extremely rare, it is caused by low levels of the same enzyme that causes PCT, UROD. The symptoms of HEP resemble CEP, with skin blistering that usually starts in infancy or early childhood. HEP is a much more severe form of PCT.Skin photosensitivity in HEP results in severe blistering and scarring.
Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, inside your body, such as in your nose or throat. The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases your risk of developing melanoma.
LUPUS
Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. UV exposure can trigger not only worsening of skin lupus and other types of photosensitivity, but also activation and worsening of systemic symptoms