A calcium deposit under the skin, or calcinosis cutis, is a thick build-up of minerals that occurs beneath the surface of the skin. This condition can develop for various reasons, including injury, infection, or exposure to chemicals.
Causes of Calcium Deposits Under The Skin
There are several possible causes of calcinosis cutis, including:
Injury
When the skin is injured, it can trigger the body to produce more calcium in an effort to heal the wound. This can lead to deposits forming under the skin.
Infection
Skin infections can also cause the body to produce more calcium in an effort to fight off the infection. This can lead to calcium deposits forming under the skin.
Exposure to chemicals
Certain chemicals, such as those found in some insecticides and weed killers, can cause the body to produce more calcium. This can lead to deposits forming under the skin.
Calcium deposits under the skin are usually harmless and do not cause any pain or discomfort. However, in some cases, they can lead to skin ulcers or infections. If you have calcinosis cutis, it is important to see a doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
Treatment Options for Calcium Deposits
Calcium deposits under the skin do not usually require treatment. However, in some cases, they may need to be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are causing pain or discomfort.
There are several options for treating calcium deposits under the skin, including:
- Creams and ointments: There are a number of over-the-counter creams and ointments that can be used to help dissolve calcium deposits under the skin.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to break up calcium deposits under the skin.
- Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a rotating brush to sand away the top layer of skin. This can help to remove calcium deposits that are close to the surface of the skin.
- Surgery: In some cases, calcium deposits may need to be removed surgically. This is typically only done if the deposits are large or if they are causing pain or discomfort.
Common Part of the Body Calcium Deposit Under the Skin
Calcium deposits on the face are relatively common. They can occur anywhere on the face, but they are most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes.
Calcium deposits on the face are usually harmless and do not cause any pain or discomfort. However, in some cases, they can lead to skin ulcers or infections. If you have calcium deposits on your face, it is important to see a doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
You should see a doctor if you have calcium deposits on your face and you develop any new symptoms, such as:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or discomfort
- A rash
- Blisters
You should also see a doctor if you have calcium deposits on your face that are larger than 1 cm in diameter. Large calcium deposits may need to be removed surgically.
Our skin is constantly exposed to a variety of elements that can cause calcium deposits to form under the surface. While most calcium deposits are harmless, some can lead to skin ulcers or infections. If you have calcinosis cutis, it is important to see a doctor if you develop any new symptoms. It can minimize potential complications and speed up the healing process.