Osteoma cutis is a rare skin condition characterized by bony growths under the skin, which can be primary or secondary. Primary osteoma cutis has no known cause and commonly occurs on the neck or head, while secondary osteoma cutis is associated with an underlying condition that produces a lesion or tumor. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove bone fragments.
Osteoma cutis defines a skin condition characterized by bony growths under the skin without the presence of a lesion. Hard or firm bumps that appear white or bluish may appear on the face, scalp, arms, legs, or fingers, depending on the type of skin osteoma. When the growths appear without a lesion, the condition is called primary osteoma cutis. Secondary osteoma skin could form from an inflamed scar, severe acne, a cancerous growth, or an inherited thyroid disorder.
Primary cutaneous osteoma is considered rare, with no known cause. Bone fragments, also called skin ossification, form under the surface of the skin and commonly contain fat and bone marrow cells. These small lumps pose no health risk, but they can be unsightly and occur most often on the neck or head.
Secondary cutaneous osteoma is associated with an underlying condition that produces a lesion or tumor. A common link to the disorder is facial acne during adolescence that leaves scars. Multiple miliary osteoma of the skin refers to bony growths on the face and may not show up until middle age. Hard deposits typically appear on both sides of the face. This form of the condition only affects women, but the reason is unknown.
Scientists have found that women who develop these bone growths have higher levels of collagen in their skin, but no direct connection between the disorder and collagen has been proven. Some skin specialists believe that bone begins to form under the skin when something goes wrong in the wound healing process. They’re not sure why calcium and phosphate build up under the skin in some people.
Osteoma cutis also appears in people diagnosed with Albright syndrome, an inherited disorder of the endocrine system that often leads to hyperthyroidism later in life. The disease causes lesions to form on the bones at the onset of puberty. Affected skin commonly becomes pigmented, ranging from tan to dark brown.
Patients with Albright syndrome typically develop bumps on the scalp, arms, and legs. The growths may be present at birth and are usually not evenly distributed. Children born with the disease generally develop calcifications within the first two years of life. They typically do not reach full height and may develop abnormal teeth and a round face.
Treatment of the disorder usually involves surgery to remove bone fragments from under the skin. Dermatologists might use a needle or scalpel to excise the growths before sewing up the wound. Plastic surgery with laser treatment reduces the appearance of the lumps in some patients.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
