Porphyria
Porphyria is a rare genetic disease that causes abnormality in the production of heme in its host.[1] It causes many severe symptoms including extreme photosensitivity. Despite the severe effects, it is almost impossible to diagnose. Although it is very rare, porphyria has been tracked all the way back to King George III and plagues all of its victims with the label of vampire because of its abnormal effects on the body.
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General Information
The term porphyria actually includes a multitude of genetic disorders, all of which range in their symptoms and treatment. However, all types of the disease effect the production of heme. Heme is that part of the blood that contains iron and can be found throughout the human body.[1][2]
Symptoms
As stated earlier, the symptoms of porphyria range greatly and can sometimes be very severe. Possible symptoms include:
Abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea
These symptoms arise from the effects on the nervous system caused by any form of porphyria. The severity may differ depending on the type of porphyria, however it is said that most symptoms are generally present in any type.
Photosensitivity
Many forms of porphyria result in extreme sensitivity to sunlight. The resulting effects can be different according to the type of porphyria. However, these effects generally include, swelling, itching, burning and blistering. All of which would result in avoidance of the sun. Finally, light may also cause a discoloration in excrement if it is exposed.[3]
Shrinking and expanding of skin
This symptom is a result of the effects of the sun. Exposure to sun generally results in blistering or burning of the skin, which in turn can sometimes cause the skin to shrink or expand.[1]
Brain function
Porphyria is well known for having multiple effects on the brain. It can result in any combination of advanced paranoia, depression, anxiety, hallucinations and seizures.
Relation to Vampirism
It has been said that porphyria victims may have been the source for vampire legends. This is because of the disease's strange effects on the human body. First, when a porphyria patient is exposed to sunlight, it causes burns and blisters on the person’s skin. This causes any person suffering from porphyria to avoid sunlight. It may also cause skin to shrink and expand. Therefore, if a person’s face were exposed to sunlight, the skin around their mouth would shrink, causing the teeth to look more pronounced and fang-like. Finally, porphyria causes abnormal brain functionality, which makes its victims act peculiarly at times.[4]