What is Porphyria Cutanea Tarda?
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) presents usually in the
third/fourth decades of life. The condition is due to decreased
activity of uro-porphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD).
Skin lesions are vesicles (blisters).
This aliment may be precipitated by ingesting too much iron. In
25% of patient, diabetes may be present. Diagnosis is confirmed by
high levels of uroporphyrins in the urine and stool.
Treatment is dependent on the elimination of the triggering
factor (remove the iron ). Spontaneous remission may occur with
advancing age in some patients.