Symptoms of porphyria can vary widely in severity, by type and among individuals. Some people with the gene mutations that cause porphyria never have any symptoms. Acute porphyrias Acute porphyrias include forms of the disease that typically cause nervous system symptoms, which appear quickly and can be severe. Symptoms may last days to weeks and usually improve slowly after the attack. Acute intermittent porphyria is the common form of acute porphyria. Signs and symptoms of acute porphyria may include: 
Severe abdominal pain
Pain in your chest, legs or back
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle pain, tingling, numbness, weakness or paralysis
Red or brown urine
Mental changes, such as anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, disorientation or paranoia
Breathing problems
Urination problems
Rapid or irregular heartbeats you can feel (palpitations)
High blood pressure
Seizures
 Cutaneous porphyrias Cutaneous porphyrias include forms of the disease that cause skin symptoms as a result of sensitivity to sunlight, but these forms don't usually affect your nervous system. Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of all the porphyrias. As a result of sun exposure, you may experience: 
Sensitivity to the sun and sometimes artificial light, causing burning pain
Sudden painful skin redness (erythema) and swelling (edema
Blisters on exposed skin, usually the hands, arms and face
Fragile thin skin with changes in skin color (pigment)
Itching
Excessive hair growth in affected areas
Red or brown urine
