Sources

•  http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genecounseling.shtml
• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1119902-overview#showall
• http://dominancerelationship.blogspot.com/2007/08/dominance-relationship.html
• http://dermnetnz.org/systemic/xeroderma-pigmentosum.html
• http://resources.mhs.vic.edu.au/science/resources/geneticssummary.htm#dominant
• http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Xeroderma-Pigmentosum.htm
• http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/searchContext.asp?topic=14486&branch=6&show=1
• http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Condition/7910/QnA/28106/Xeroderma_pigmentosum.aspx

 These are the websites I got all of my information from, I suggest visiting these sites for more info on XP.

I wish you all luck in dealing with XP.

How possible is it that a cure will be found?

It is very unlikely that a cure will be found because XP is a genetic disorder.  Scientists are working on a way to cure genetic diseases in general, but they will most likely only find a way to prevent the disease from spreading to future generations by removing the XP allele from the unborn child.  But, anything is possible so keep your hopes up, they might just find a cure.

What are some organizations that can help a family cope with a child's disorder?

• Xeroderma Pigmentosum Society
• XP Family Support Group

What is everyday life like? What is the quality of life?

Aside from needing to be constantly protected from UV rays it is similar to normal life.  You need to be very careful to keep out of the sun but if you acheive that you will be fine.  If you take proper precautions you will not face serious obstacles and the quality of life would be high, especially compared to most other genetic diseases.

How can the disease be treated?

• wear sunscreen (at least S.P.F. 30)
• wear long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and eye wear specifically designed to block UV rays
• only go outdoors during nighttime
• see a dermatologist every 3-6 months
• see ophthalmologist frequently
• get yearly testing for neurological problems

What is the life expectancy of someone with the disease?

If the patient does not take the necessary precautions don't protect themselves from UV rays they may die young from skin cancer, but if they do take precautions they would have a normal life expectancy.

What are the physical symptoms of the disease?

The first symptom of the disease is freckling of the skin and reddening on the face and neck.  The second symptom is poikiloderma, or having light and dark splotches on the skin.  The third symptom is skin cancer and solar keratoses.