Living in Shadows: A Boy's Struggle with Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Pol Dominguez, an 11-year-old in Spain, has Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare condition that prevents his body from repairing DNA damage caused by sunlight. This makes even brief UV exposure extremely dangerous. His daily life revolves around avoiding the sun, wearing protective gear, and staying indoors during daylight. As climate change worsens, the risks to individuals like Pol increase.

Pol Dominguez, an 11-year-old boy, is spending his summer holidays indoors to avoid ultraviolet radiation that could be deadly due to his condition, Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). This rare disease disables his body's ability to repair DNA from solar damage, posing a high risk of cancer.

The hereditary disease, affecting about 2.3 cases per million live births in Western Europe, typically reveals itself early through severe burns. Dominguez and his Barcelona-based family have dramatically altered their lifestyle to minimize UV exposure. Outside, he dons a hood, jacket, sunglasses, and gloves even in winter to preclude blistering and burns.

His school's adapted environment helps, but outdoor activities still require extensive protective gear. During summer, he stays indoors as much as possible. His home has UV-proof modifications to mitigate risks. His mother, Xenia Aranda, explained their nocturnal lifestyle as a way to allow Pol to enjoy activities such as beach visits and running after sunset.

With the rise in heatwaves due to climate change, Pol's condition becomes ever more precarious. Increased sunlight hours exacerbate the risks of solar damage and potential illness, according to Asuncion Vicente, a pediatric dermatologist.

(With inputs from agencies.)