A woman with a severe allergy to sunlight has been forced to live almost entirely in darkness, calling herself a 'modern-day vampire'. Emily Richardson, 36, says just five seconds of sun exposure triggers a painful reaction, while 20 seconds could land her in hospital.
Her rare condition first appeared in her teens but dramatically worsened after she contracted Covid-19 in 2021. Since then, Emily has been unable to go outside during daylight hours without risking her health. She now sleeps through the day and ventures out only at night, wearing protective clothing, gloves and wide-brimmed hats.
Emily, from Tennessee, USA, said: 'I will not apologise if my outfit makes you uncomfortable. I have to wear it every time I leave the house – so if you're uncomfortable, think how it makes me feel.' She added: 'I also won't apologise for calling myself a vampire. If that bothers people, it's probably because they can't use the word against me anymore.'
Doctors believe the virus may have weakened her immune system, making her hypersensitive to sunlight. Since then, she has been hospitalised four times due to severe reactions. The condition, known as polymorphic light eruption, causes painful rashes, swelling and hives.
Despite the stares, Emily embraces her unusual lifestyle. 'I won't apologise for my nocturnal schedule,' she said. 'I'm completely allergic to the sun, so there's no point being awake through most of the day.'
