5Causes of Calcinosis Cutis
Calcinosis cutis is a rare condition with many different causes. These include:
– Dystrophic calcification: This form can be triggered by tissue damage, which causes dying cells to release phosphate proteins. These components later calcify to form calcium crystals. Possible causes of tissue damage include acne, tumors, infections, or connective tissue issues like dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, or lupus.
– Metastatic calcification: When the calcium phosphate in the body is unusually high, calcium salts are produced, which later forms nodules on your skin. Possible causes include a surplus of vitamin D, chronic kidney failure, milk-alkali syndrome, sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, or bone conditions like Paget’s disease.
– Idiopathic calcification: This form of calcinosis cutis happens without unusual levels of phosphorus or calcium or without underlying damage in the tissue. In fact, the term idiopathic literally means “no clear cause”.
– Iatrogenic calcification: The main cause of this form can be a medical process that accidentally results in the deposits of calcium salt as a side effect. However, the exact mechanism is still unknown. Possible causes include heel sticks in newborn babies, administration of phosphate or calcium-containing solutions, extended contact with calcium chloride electrode paste, or intravenous para-aminosalicylic acid, calcium chloride, or gluconate.
– Calciphylaxis: It is still unknown what causes calciphylaxis. Some common risk factors include hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, obesity, or chronic kidney failure. [5]
