What’s calcinosis?

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Calcinosis is the development of hard deposits of calcium that form on the skin or in the body. There are four main forms. These are dystrophic, metastatic, iatrogenic and idiopathic.

Dystrophic calcinosis occurs more frequently. In this type, people do not have a higher than normal level of calcium or phosphate in their blood. Calcification tends to occur around the site of a recent surgery or injury. Simple acne or small cuts can cause this type, which usually occurs when there is damaged skin or other soft tissue.

Tissue damage from autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma can result in calcinosis around the damaged areas. Joint injuries or the presence of tumors can also cause tissue damage to form calcium-based lesions.
With dystrophic calcinosis, the lumps formed by calcium are usually localized to the specific area of ​​tissue damage. However, some autoimmune diseases that cause soft tissue damage in multiple areas can mean more lump formation.

When possible, surgical removal of the lumps can be helpful, but they can recur if they are the result of disorders that continually damage the soft tissues of the body. Also, the same surgery can involve multiple deposits. Treatment usually focuses on addressing the underlying conditions to reduce soft tissue damage.

Metastatic calcinosis is caused by having too much calcium and/or phosphate in a person’s blood. As a result, calcium deposits tend to form quickly and readily in different areas of the body.

The main cause of this type is failure of the kidneys, which are unable to rid the body of excess calcium and phosphate. Overstimulation of the thyroid gland can also create too much calcium and phosphate in the blood. Ingesting too much vitamin D can be a causal factor. Also, diseases that destroy bone tissue, such as Pagets disease or various bone tumors, can cause metastatic calcinosis.

Treatment is difficult in many of these cases. The underlying causes of an excess of calcium or phosphate can be addressed. Some doctors deal with too much calcium by giving antacids such as aluminum carbonate, which can remove some of the calcium in the intestines. Others use calcium blockers such as warfarin, but this drug requires intensive follow-up to rule out excessive bleeding.

Idiopathic calcinosis can occur in babies born with soft tissue birth defects. They are common in areas such as the scrotum and vagina. In addition, single idiopathic calcium lesions may form on the face. Some diseases, such as Down syndrome, make you more vulnerable to soccer injuries. Lesions can form at the site of organ transplants. Treatment goals follow the above procedures, but may not be fully effective.
Iatrogenic calcinosis is usually localized to a single site where tissue has been damaged through surgery. Children, who undergo frequent heel sticks to draw blood, may develop calcium deposits on their heels. Electrode paste, which contains calcium and can be used to assess brain activity, can cause it when electrodes are used for too long.

Any type of calcinosis is difficult to treat. Usually, the condition is not painful, although large lesions around organs can cause pain. Clearly further research into the underlying conditions causing these lesions can help reduce the incidence of deposits.

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