epidemiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Porphyria cutanea tarda occurs worldwide. It most often presents in the fourth or fifth decade or beyond; occasionally, in the inherited form of the disease, it may occur in early life.
Distribution between the sexes is approximately equal following the increased use of oral (oestrogen based) contraceptives and increased drinking among women. The use of oestrogens as adjunctive therapy for prostatic carcinoma has contributed to the increased incidence of PCT in men.