Porphyria (por-FEAR-e-uh) refers to a group of rare disorders that result from a buildup of natural chemicals called porphyrins in the body. Porphyrins are needed to make heme, a part of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells.

The most common type of porphyria, porphyria cutanea tarda, is most often acquired, meaning that factors other than inherited genes may cause this condition. These factors may include a buildup of iron in the body, which may be caused by gene mutations that can lead to hemochromatosis

Porphyria most often results from genetic mutations passed down from parent to child. You are more at risk for porphyria if a parent has the disorder. Unlike the other types of porphyrias, porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) occurs when an inactive acquired disease, like hepatitis C or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), becomes active in the body.

Background: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a semi-dominantly inherited porphyria presenting with photosensitivity during early childhood. Acquired EPP has been reported; however, data regarding this rare disorder are scarce. Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of acquired EPP.