Porphyria has been suggested as an explanation for the origin of vampire and werewolf legends, based upon certain perceived similarities between the condition and the folklore.

Mar 3, 2025 · Porphyria is a group of rare disorders that cause painful “attacks” (in acute forms) or skin reactions to light (in cutaneous forms). Most porphyrias are genetic.

Apr 5, 2023 · Porphyria (por-FEAR-e-uh) refers to a group of rare disorders that result from a buildup of natural chemicals called porphyrins in the body. Porphyrins are needed to make heme, a part of …

Jul 8, 2025 · The nickname “vampire disease” refers to porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders. This name stems from symptoms associated with some forms of the disease that resemble traits in …

Oct 29, 2025 · Kristen Wheeden, DrPH, MBA, discusses porphyria—the rare “vampire” disease—its stigma, and advances in patient care.

While the connection to vampiric myth is largely based on conjecture and misinformation, there may be little harm in keeping alive a time-old tale of mystery and intrigue as long as its connection to the …

Oct 31, 2024 · Many believe that the mysterious medical condition porphyria played a role in forming these myths. While Stoker's tale was fictional, its vampire lore may reflect symptoms of porphyria, a...

Oct 19, 2022 · It is possible that a rare inherited blood disorder, called porphyria, gave rise to the myth of vampires and in turn, porphyria has the nickname the vampire disease.

Oct 30, 2017 · In a talk at a conference in 1985, Canadian biochemist David H. Dolphin proposed that vampire and werewolf myths derived from a disease known as porphyria, the New York Times reported.

Sep 12, 2025 · Porphyria is often called the “vampire disease” because some of its symptoms, like photosensitivity, pale skin, and reddish teeth or urine, resemble traits linked to vampire myths. …