Technically, you can’t be allergic to sunlight but there is a rare genetic disorder that causes terrible pain to people when their skin is exposed to sunlight. It’s called Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP), which is “a build-up of protoporphyrin which is produced in excess from the bone marrow. It accumulates in the body especially in the red blood cells, in the liver and in the skin which becomes sensitive to light.” There is no cure.
Dateline NBC is airing a report about teenagers who are living with EPP including 14-year-old Mackenzie. She has to wear UV resistance clothing even while inside. Some overhead lights can cause a painful reaction. She compares exposure to sunlight to being stung by a bunch of bees. When she does leave the house, she wears special sunblock on her face and a beekeeping-style hat/veil. Dateline will air the episode on June 11 at 8pm on NBC.
