Question 1

sunlight hurts when it hits my skin. have you heard of porphyria?

Accepted Answer

Sun sensitivity: Porphyria is a disease of hemoglobin metabolism where abnormal chemicals are produced in the body that are sensitive to ultraviolet light.  In severe forms of porphyria, people get red teeth and lips, and it is believed that count dracula had porphyria, and could only go outdoors at night . It is likely that you have another form of sun sensitivity, so use a sunscreen, and use long sleeve shirts.

Question 2

can porphyria improvewith age?

Accepted Answer

With treatment: Since most forms of porphyria are inherited there is not a cure for them. Depending on the type, treatment can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Acquired porphyria can improve with removal of the triggering causes.

Question 3

do i need a special diet with porphyria?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: There are different types of porphyrias and most of them are not affected by dietary manipulation.  There is some evidence that a high carbohydrate diet will alleviate some of the acute attacks.  All this should be coordinated through a physician who deals with this type of metabolic problem.

Question 4

will porphyria affect my thinking and memory?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Porphyria symptoms can include depression, confusion, hallucinations & delusions. These symptoms are most likely to occur during an acute attack. Other symptoms that one may experience during an attack could also affect thinking & memory.  For examply, nausea & pain may decrease one's ability to concentrate, thereby affecting memory & attention span.

Question 5

what is porphyria? what are the specific problems caused by porphyria?

Accepted Answer

A rare disease: Porphyria is a very rare disease due to a problem is the production of porphoryin which become part of the hem molecule that eventually gets placedinto the hemoglobin to make red blood cells. The disease can cause skin problem abdominalmpain and other problems.

Question 6

what is porphyria cutanea tarda?

Accepted Answer

Blistering disease: It is a disease that causes blistering seen more often in alcoholics because of enzyme defect causing increased porphyrins in blood. See dermatologist for full details and treatment.

Question 7

porphyria cutanea tarda symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Skin changes: A physician familiar with pct can make the call just on physical exam. The labs are confirmatory. A check for iron overload and hepatitis c are wise, but you'll manage the illness by becoming educated and doing a few simple things. Best wishes.

Question 8

can porphyria cause high bilirubin?

Accepted Answer

Might occur: Some variants of porphyria can affect the liver and cause abnormal liver testing.  You can get answers by analyzing your urinary and serum porphyrin levels, and this could allow interventional approaches to bring under full control.

Question 9

what are the risks of acute porphyria?

Accepted Answer

Very serious: The pain is often agonizing, the mental confusion can land the person in the mental hospital permanently, the hyponatremia can be dangerous, and even the constipation sufficient to wreck the quality of life. Management of the illness is successful only if the patient can become educated and proactive in their own care.

Question 10

what is porphyria and what sets it off?

Accepted Answer

Porphyria: The porphyrias are hereditary conditions in which heme, the oxygen carrying molecule inside red cells, isn't made correctly. Several different enzyme mutations are responsible. A patient's symptoms depend on the enzyme affected. Some people are "set off" by exposure to light and others by certain diets or medications. You need to know the type of porphyria you have in order to know what to avoid.

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Sunlight hurts when it hits my skin Have you heard of porphyria

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Sunlight hurts when it hits my skin. have you heard of porphyria?

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Can porphyria improvewith age?

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Do i need a special diet with porphyria?

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Will porphyria affect my thinking and memory?

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What is porphyria? what are the specific problems caused by porphyria?

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What is porphyria cutanea tarda?

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Porphyria cutanea tarda symptoms?

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Can porphyria cause high bilirubin?

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What are the risks of acute porphyria?

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What is porphyria and what sets it off?

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