What are cutaneous porphyrias?

Cutaneous porphyrias are also known as erythropoietic porphyrias, because the accumulation of porphyrins takes place in red blood cells (erythrocytes). These are rare, and mostly affect the skin.

Signs and symptoms of cutaneous porphyrias include:

• photosensitivity – a rash can develop on exposure to sunlight
• an itchy, swollen rash
• blisters
• necrosis – death of certain tissues
• increased hair growth (for example: on the forehead)

There is no abdominal pain in cutaneous porphyrias.

Treatment for cutaneous porphyrias is centred around avoiding sunlight. Usually, sunscreens are ineffective, but extra clothing is helpful.

Photosensitivity Guide Index:

• What is photosensitivity?
• What are some photosensitive dermatoses caused by drugs or other chemicals?
• What are phototoxic reactions?
• What are photoallergic reactions?
• What is photocontact dermatitis?
• What are genetic and metabolic metabolic photosensitive dermatoses?
• What is pellagra?
• Who gets pellagra?
• What are some signs and symptoms of pellagra?
• What are porphyrias?
• What are acute porphyrias?
• What are cutaneous porphyrias?
• What is xeroderma pigmentosum?
• What is Bloom syndrome?
• What is Cockayne syndrome?

• What are photoaggravated dermatoses?
• What is atopic eczema?
• What is psoriasis?
• What is lichen planus?
• What is lupus erythematosus?
• What is dermatomyositis?
• What is actinic folliculitis?
• What is disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis?
• What are acquired idiopathic photosensitive dermatoses?
• What is polymorphic light eruption?
• What is chronic actinic dermatitis?
• What is solar urticaria?
• What is actinic prurigo?
• What is hydroa vacciniforme?
• What is juvenile spring eruption?