Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll

Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12198. Epub 2014 Aug 15.

Abstract

Two cases of pseudoporphyria are described in which the clinical features of porphyria cutanea tarda occurred in the absence of abnormalities in porphyrin metabolism. Both patients presented with skin fragility and bullae on the dorsal aspect of the hands. The patients consumed a commercial liquid chlorophyll drink in which we detected fluorescent compounds with characteristics typical of previously described chlorophyll derived photosensitisers.

Keywords: photosensitivity; pseudoporphyria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chlorophyll / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hand Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Hand Dermatoses / diagnosis*
  • Hand Dermatoses / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda / diagnosis*
  • Porphyrins / blood
  • Porphyrins / urine

Substances

  • Porphyrins
  • Chlorophyll