Calcinosis cutis
Calcinosis cutis Causes
Occurring in the setting of normal serum calcium and phosphate levels, the primary abnormality of dystrophic calcification is damaged, inflamed, necrotic or neoplastic skin. Mechanical, chemical, infectious or other insults may damage the tissue. Dystrophic calcification arises in the setting of normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. The main abnormality is damaged, inflamed, neoplastic, or necrotic skin. Tissue damage may occur from mechanical, chemical, infectious, or other insults. Metastaic calcification may arise from the setting of abnormal calcium or phosphate metabolism. It is also generally associated with hyperphosphatemia and/or hypercalcemia. In the absence of known tissue injury or systemic metabolic defect, idiopathic calcinosis may occur. Iatrogenic calcinosis cutis takes place secondary to a treatment or procedure such as repeated heel sticks in the newborn, parenteral administration of calcium or phosphate and prolonged use of calcium-containing electrode paste.
Calcinosis cutis Definition
A term used to describe a group of disorders in which calcium deposits from in the skin, Calcinosis cutis or cutaneous calcification may result from a variety of factors. Occurring in soft tissues as a response to injury, dystrophic calcification is the most common source of this disease. Classified into 4 major types namely dystrophic, metastatic, iatrogenic and idiopathic, there are also rare types of Calcinosis cutis that have been variably classified as dystrophic or idiopathic. Such include calcinosis cutis circumscripta, calcinosis cutis universalis, tumoral calcinosis, and transplant-associated calcinosis cutis.
Calcinosis cutis Historical Background
Lesions developing from Calcinosis cutis are gradual and asymptomatic. The history and evolution of the lesions however, are dependent on the etiology of the calcification. For patients with dystrophic calcification, a preexisting dermal nodule or an inciting traumatic event may be provided as underlying diseases. Previous trauma or disease on the other hand are not associated in cases of idiopathic calcinosis. Generally, persons with history of recent hospitalization may develop iatrogenic calcinosis.