Sun Allergy Inhibits Child’s Life in Georgia
From northwest Georgia comes the story of a young girl who has been found to have a rare sun allergy.
Her family is both saddened, at times, but relieved reports the Cedartown Standard - saddened that their daughter can’t play outside like her brother or other kids - but, relieved that they finally know what it is when Dr. Leslie Lawless at Emory Hospital in Atlanta finally examined her.
Jodie Brock, age 7, has had to live much of her life away from the sun.
Even sunlight that reaches her through a window can be problematic and cause her to have an allergic reaction according to the report.
According to her mom, Evelyn, any reaction usually results in young Jodie having to have an ice bath for two or three hours which arrests the pain and itching but the allergy may not go away for another five days.
The technical name for this condition is erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a sun allergy due to an hereditary enzyme defect and though Jodie can attend school with this condition, she cannot go outside and take part in physical education activities, for example, or go outside with her brother which deeply saddens her.
Jodie’s father, Jackie , told the the Standard, “Some days are more difficult than others,” Jodie’s father said. “When she cries and gets upset, we hurt for her.”
Jodie’s mom hopes that friends are able to launch a support group about the disorder that will also help the public understand its unique issues.
In addition, to an account being opened at the local bank, there is also a benefit planned to help with Jodie’s expenses.
September 11, 2008 – 9:51 pm
One Response to “Sun Allergy Inhibits Child’s Life in Georgia”
My son is now 6 years old and was diagnosed with erythropoietic protoporphyria when he was 4 years old. We live in England (UK) and he has the same symptoms as the 7 year old girl. He swells up but doesn’t get any kind of rash. He has to have yearly check ups at the hospital and has liver function tests done yearly too. I know how these parents feel when their daughter hurts as we experience the same. If the parents would like to get in contact with me please feel free to, or if anyone else’s child suffers my e-mail address is clairecreag10@hotmail.com.
By Claire Creag on Apr 26, 2010