A novel treatment for ulcerative calcinosis cutis

J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 Sep;10(9):1042-4.

Abstract

Background: Calcinosis cutis is a term used to describe a group of disorders which result in calcium deposits in the skin. These disorders can be separated based on etiology.

Objective and methods: Sodium thiosulfate has been used to systemically treat calciphylaxis with little to no adverse effects. We report two cases of ulcerative calcinosis cutis which were refractory to multiple topical treatments and did not improve with correction of underlying electrolyte abnormalities.

Results: Both cases showed an excellent response to topical 25% sodium thiosulfate compounded in zinc oxide.

Limitations: We are limited by a small sample size (n=2) in this case series.

Conclusions: We recommend topical sodium thiosulfate 25% as an alternative treatment for dystrophic calcinosis cutis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Calcinosis / drug therapy*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Thiosulfates / administration & dosage
  • Thiosulfates / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zinc Oxide / administration & dosage
  • Zinc Oxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Thiosulfates
  • sodium thiosulfate
  • Zinc Oxide