Porphyria is an inherited disorder that causes abnormally high levels of porphyrins in the bloodstream. Porphyrins are molecules that the body uses to make hemoglobin. High levels of porphyrins are toxic to the brain, nerves, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Other conditions may trigger symptoms in someone with porphyria.

Conditions that may trigger porphyria include:

• Medications
• Hepatitis C
• Alcohol
• Exposure to hexachlorobenzene
• Lead poisoning
• HIV infection