Symptoms of the disorder porphyria cutanea tarda
include disfigurement by light-induced blisters
(vampire’s burn up in daylight) that can cause
scarring and skin discoloration. In severe cases,
excessive hair growth on the face and hands, gum
degeneration, and neurological disorders can
occur. Those suffering from a porphyria must avoid
the sun and some compounds that can exacerbate
the symptoms, including certain metabolites that
accumulate in, you guessed it, garlic. Repeated
blood transfusions can be required to treat the
disease (a blood meal anyone?).