Facial resurfacing in xeroderma pigmentosum: are we spoiling the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar?

A case of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is reported whose treatment included sub-total excision of facial skin and resurfacing in aesthetic units with grafts of relatively undamaged buttock skin. The principle of resurfacing is logical and supported by this and other reports which are reviewed. Though control was achieved in the grafted areas, tumours continued to develop in adjacent ungrafted skin. The importance of radical excision of exposed skin in severe cases of XP is emphasised.