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A Pop Cultural History of Illness
The world’s weirdest diseases and disorders
Fans of adventure movies, fantasy literature, and science-fiction films are used to nail-biting portrayals of strange magics or diseases that turn people to stone, into monsters, or mad. What many fans don’t know is that the authors of these fictional works were inspired by real-world phenomena. From genetic disorders that alter one’s humanity to mental conditions that shift our perception, here are the strangest medical conditions that have inspired the horrors of our favorite stories.
Porphyria
Believed to be the source of both vampire and werewolf lore, porphyria impairs the body’s production of heme, a protein that occurs in red blood cells. Patients typically experience sensitivity to sunlight, skin conditions, and increased hair growth. In some patients, the gums recede, leading to a fang-like appearance. The lack of heme also contributes to a paling of the skin and dark teeth and fingernails. In acute cases, those experiencing porphyria also tend to exhibit behavioral abnormalities or psychosis. Historians attribute the strange behavior of King George III, Mary Queen of Scots, and Vincent Van Gogh to this condition. The disease was portrayed in the horror film The Others and a memorable episode of “Scrubs.”
