The Use of Dihydroxyacetone for Photoprotection in Variegate Porphyria

A 33-year-old woman with variegate porphyria (VP) presented with facial scarring, blisters, and skin fragility. Laboratory tests confirmed VP with elevated porphyrin levels in plasma, stool, and urine. Despite symptoms resembling porphyria cutanea tarda, the diagnosis was VP due to the lab results. The patient was advised to avoid certain medications and practice sun protection. She later used a self-tanning lotion containing dihydroxyacetone, which, combined with sunscreen, significantly reduced skin eruptions and improved her tolerance to sun exposure.