A boy who lives in constant shade to avoid the sun's rays
An 11-year-old boy from Barcelona suffers from a rare disease that prevents him from living a normal child's life by avoiding the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Eleven-year-old 'Pol Domingos' is spending his summer holidays in Spain, but unlike other children, instead of spending his days at the beach or swimming pool, he always covers his skin to protect himself from the sun's ultraviolet rays. .
Paul Domingos has xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare disease that severely affects his skin and eyes.
In this disease, sunlight can damage the DNA in the patient's skin cells, making them more prone to developing cancer.
Paul Dominguez's case is extreme, with even the slightest exposure to sunlight causing severe and painful burns to his eyes and skin.
In Western Europe, there are 2.3 cases per million people, and in Spain, about 100 people are living with the disease, a hereditary disease that manifests itself quickly due to irritation.
Dominguez and his family are residents of Barcelona, the boy has completely changed his habits and daily life to avoid the sun's rays.
Dominguez must wear a hood, jacket, sunglasses and gloves when he leaves the house to avoid the hot sun and blisters, and usually spends most of his time indoors.
For Domingos, apart from his home, the school administration has adjusted the windows and lighting system to allow him to live a normal life. He carries a UV meter with him to check the weather.
"It's very hot and I use a fan to cool it down," Dominguez said of her distinctive outfit, speaking to Reuters.
"We only go out at night because he can go to the beach without his safety gear, which brings joy to his face," said Xenia Aranda, the boy's mother.