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Erythropoietic protoporphyria
Health and Nutrition > Diseases >
E
Written by Professor James Ferguson, consultant dermatologist
Is there any treatment available?
Although there is no cure for this condition, affected patients can take a number of lines of action to ease the problem.Simple measures such as avoiding unnecessary sunlight exposure and the use of tightly woven clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat, will protect the individual from sunlight.
Sun barriers and creams help some people, although the visible-light wavelengths that cause the problem are more difficult to block out with sun barriers (which are usually designed to protect against ultraviolet B and A wavelengths).
Some patients find beta-carotene (a food precursor of vitamin A, present in tomatoes and carrots) to be helpful, although many do not.
A few patients may find antihistamine tablets helpful.
For others, a yearly course in springtime of ultraviolet therapy may be helpful. This involves exposure three times a week for five weeks to ensure that the resultant thickening and pigmentation of the skin lasts for the rest of the summer.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (Contd)
Written by Professor James Ferguson, consultant dermatologist
Is there any treatment available?
Although there is no cure for this condition, affected patients can take a number of lines of action to ease the problem.
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