Pseudoporphyria triggered by ultraviolet A radiation exposure: the under-reported role of sunbeds and nail lamps

Pseudoporphyria is an uncommon photodistributed bullous disease with clinical and histopathological features of porphyria cutanea tarda but without biochemical porphyrin abnormalities. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood; associations with chronic renal failure, dialysis, medications (such as antibiotics, chemotherapy agents and diuretics) and excessive sun exposure have been documented. However, pseudoporphyria secondary to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation is rarely reported. We highlight the case of a patient with pseudoporphyria associated with frequent use of an ultraviolet A tanning bed and nail-curing lamp whose symptoms resolved following cessation of exposure.