“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a type of porphyria, which is a group of rare disorders that affect the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin. PCT is the most common type of porphyria, accounting for about 75% of all cases.
PCT typically affects the skin, causing photosensitivity, blistering, and skin fragility. It can also cause liver damage, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. PCT may be triggered by factors such as alcohol consumption, hepatitis C infection, estrogen therapy, and exposure to certain chemicals.
Treatment for PCT usually involves avoiding triggers and taking steps to protect the skin from sunlight, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen. In some cases, medication or phlebotomy (blood removal) may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
It's important to note that PCT is a rare disorder and should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional.