Erythropoietic protoporphyria

Erythropoietic protoporphyria
Other namesEPP
Chronic skin lesions of EPP
SpecialtyEndocrinology, dermatology 
Risk factorspain and irritation

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (or commonly called EPP) is a form of porphyria, which varies in severity and can be very painful. It arises from a deficiency in the enzyme ferrochelatase, leading to abnormally high levels of protoporphyrin in the red blood cells (erythrocytes), plasma, skin, and liver. The severity varies significantly from individual to individual.

A clinically similar form of porphyria, known as X-Linked dominant protoporphyria, was identified in 2008.