Definition

A rare disorder that affects the skin and causes painful blisters on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, usually the hands, arms, and face. The affected skin may be fragile, and it may blister or peel after a minor injury. Other signs and symptoms of PCT include changes in skin color, increased hair growth (especially on the face), and redness, swelling, itching, scarring, and thickening of the affected skin. Liver problems may occur, and patients with PCT may have an increased risk of liver cancer. In PCT, the body does not make enough of an enzyme called uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. PCT may be inherited, or it may be caused by too much iron in the body, certain infections (such as hepatitis C or HIV infection), smoking, drinking too much alcohol, taking the hormone estrogen, and certain genetic disorders. PCT is usually diagnosed after the age of 30 years. Also called porphyria cutanea tarda.