What is the primary treatment for porphyria cutanea tarda?

The primary treatment for porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is phlebotomy. PCT is a type of porphyria that often results from an accumulation of porphyrins, particularly due to hepatic dysfunction and iron overload in the liver.

Phlebotomy works by reducing the iron load in the body, which is a significant contributing factor to the development of PCT. By regularly removing blood, which contains iron, the treatment helps decrease the iron levels and subsequently reduce the production of porphyrins, alleviating symptoms and preventing skin complications that can arise from this condition.

This approach not only addresses the underlying issue of iron overload but also helps in managing the skin lesions and other manifestations of the disease. Other methods, while potentially beneficial in different contexts, do not primarily target the iron overload associated with PCT in the same effective manner as phlebotomy.