Therapy
No causal therapy currently exists for any type of porphyria. Within a relapse, the symptoms can be alleviated by the administration of hemin. This makes the body believe that there is a sufficient amount of heme, and thus leads to less of the unwanted (and responsible for the symptoms) precursors of heme being formed. The main focus in the treatment of porphyria patients is to avoid situations and lifestyles that trigger a relapse.
Prophylaxis
An effective method to prevent the development of porphyrias does not exist. However, by following certain rules, sufferers can significantly reduce the risk of getting a relapse. The main aim is to achieve a lifestyle that is gentle on the body as a whole and on the liver (especially in hepatic porphyrias) or the skin (especially in cutaneous porphyrias). In particular, smoking and alcohol should be avoided, and medication should only be taken after careful consideration by the treating physician. The fact that the damaging effect of sunlight (but also of other light sources) is in the visible range and therefore sunscreen does not offer any protection is particularly noteworthy in protecting the skin.
Prognosis
The degree of suffering of an affected person depends mainly on the form and severity of the porphyria. Consistent adherence to prophylactic measures also plays an important role. The life expectancy of a person suffering from porphyria can be reduced.
