Porphyria

Key facts Porphyria is a group of diseases caused by problems with red blood cells that lead to a build-up in the body of chemicals called porphyrins. Porphyria is uncommon, and is divided into 2 categories — acute porphyria, which affects the neurological (nerve) system and cutaneous porphyria, which affects the skin. Porphyria is usually inherited, but can also occur without anyone else in the family having it. Because porphyria can cause so many different symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose. Porphyria can’t be cured, but there are many ways to manage and treat it.   What is porphyria?