Pseudoporphyria

Pseudoporphyria (pronounced soo-doh-por-FEER-ee-uh) is a rare skin condition that mimics the symptoms but not the consequences of porphyria. The term "pseudoporphyria" is derived from the Greek words "pseudo," meaning false, and "porphyria," referring to a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system and skin.

Definition

Pseudoporphyria is characterized by increased sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in skin lesions and blisters, especially on areas exposed to the sun. Unlike true porphyria, pseudoporphyria does not affect the nervous system.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of pseudoporphyria include:

Skin fragility
Blistering on sun-exposed areas of the skin
Hyperpigmentation and scarring
Changes in skin texture

Causes

Pseudoporphyria is often associated with certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and antibiotics. It can also be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, kidney dialysis, and certain medical conditions such as hepatitis C and end-stage renal disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pseudoporphyria is based on clinical examination, patient history, and exclusion of other types of porphyria. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of pseudoporphyria primarily involves discontinuing any causative medications and protecting the skin from sun exposure. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudoporphyria
Wikipedia's article - Pseudoporphyria

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Pseudoporphyria