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 porphyria cutanea tarda 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 porphyria cutanea tarda may have an increased risk of liver cancer. In porphyria cutanea tarda, the body does not make enough of an enzyme called uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. Porphyria cutanea tarda 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. Porphyria cutanea tarda is usually diagnosed after the age of 30 years. Also called PCT.