27-year-old marine engineer lives like a 'vampire' — Find out why!

Sam Phelps suffers from a rare incurable condition, known as erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), that causes his skin to burn when exposed to UV light.

Photo Credit: PA Real Life

New Delhi: 27-year-old Sam Phelps from Bristol is forced to live like a vampire because he wears a wetsuit, gloves, boots and a mask to the beach.

This is because he suffers from a rare incurable condition, known as erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), that causes his skin to burn when exposed to UV light.

According to a report in Daily Mail, sunlight causes the marine engineer to break out in painful, swollen rashes on hot days, even in winter. It also makes his skin swell and turn purple causing excruciating pain.

His friends tease him about being like a "vampire" because they know he finds it hard to go out when it's hot.

As per the reports, EPP sufferers have to carefully study the weather forecast to do simple tasks such as driving to work or spending a day out with friends so that they can plan ahead.

According to the British Skin Foundation, EPP occurs when something goes wrong with the production of chemicals, known as porphyrins and causes the chemicals to build-up and lead to increased sensitivity to sunlight. Symptoms start with tingling, itching or burning, as well as redness and burning.

He was diagnosed with the condition six years ago and has had treatment sessions during the summer to help his skin adapt to the light. Though it is not curable, but the treatment makes the symptoms less painful.

Despite the limitations caused by the incurable condition, Sam Phelps is determined not to let it hold him back.