Woman whose skin is so sensitive to sunlight she has to apply SPF100 every two hours while indoors reveals people called her a zombie after part of her nose and lip were removed
- Karine de Souza, 29, from Fortaleza in Brazil, was diagnosed at the age of three
- She had Xeroderma Pigmentosum which causes skin sensitivity and melanoma
- She is deficient in the DNA to repair her skin when it is damaged by UV rays
- Karine has an upbeat attitude and is ‘very happy’ with her husband Edmilson
A woman with a rare skin condition that forces her to smother herself in SPF100 sunscreen every two hours, even while inside her home with the curtains closed, reveals she stays positive despite her challenges because ‘life only happens once’.
Karine de Souza, 29, from Fortaleza in Brazil, was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum when she was three-years-old.
Every time her skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays she is at risk of skin cancer because she is deficient in the DNA system that repairs damage.
Karine de Souza (pictured), 29, from Fortaleza in Brazil, was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum when she was just three years old
But despite the constant risk of melanoma Karine says she prefers to smile instead of crying, and wants others to share her upbeat attitude to life.
Karine has had 130 surgical procedures to remove lesions caused by the sun, including the removal of her lower lip and part of her nose.
She told Truly: ‘I am the target of a lot of glances, a lot of people staring at me, some of them distance themselves.’
She explained when she does go outside people look at her in ‘disgust’ before calling her names.
Three years ago she met her husband Edmilson (pictured) through social media. Edmilson says he ‘fell in love with her story’ and her ‘strength’
Inside her home she closes the curtains to keep out the natural light, and only ventures out for doctor’s appointments, in darkness or on rainy days.
Three years ago she met her husband Edmilson through social media. Edmilson says he ‘fell in love with her story’ and her ‘strength’.
Soon after they started dating, the couple posted photos of them together online, and this led to comments questioning the legitimacy of their relationship.
Karine has had 130 surgical procedures to remove lesions caused by the sun, including the removal of her lower lip and part of her nose
Karine explained: ‘We have already read many offensive comments calling me a monster, deformed, a zombie.’
Others suggested she was Edmilson’s ‘sugar mommy’ and that she must be rich.
Despite any setbacks Karine is ‘very happy’ and enjoys life. She wants others to realise the importance of being positive.
‘Be happy, smile, because life happens only once,’ she said.