What are the porphyrias?

The porphyrias are a group of genetic diseases in which there are enzyme deficiencies in the haem pathway; haem is the part of haemoglobin that gives blood its red colour. An enzyme deficiency results in a build-up of precursors in the blood and other organs. The precursor chemicals can cause acute attacks in the acute hepatic porphyrias and photosensitivity and skin lesions in the cutaneous porphyrias.

© DermNet

You can use or share this image if you comply with our image licence. Please provide a link back to this page.
For a high resolution, unwatermarked copy contact us here. Fees apply.

Source: dermnetnz.org