Beta-thalassaemia minor and porphyria cutanea tarda

A case of porphyria cutanea tarda occurring in association with beta-thalassaemia minor is reported in a 33-year-old Northern-Irish woman. Aetiological factors in this case included oral and parenteral iron therapy for refractory anaemia which was subsequently diagnosed as beta-thalassaemia minor, and the use of an oestrogen-containing oral contraceptive pill.