About Calciphylaxis cutis

What is Calciphylaxis cutis?

Calciphylaxis cutis is a rare and serious skin condition that is caused by an accumulation of calcium in the small blood vessels of the skin. It is most commonly seen in people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. Symptoms of calciphylaxis cutis include painful, purplish patches of skin that may become ulcerated and infected. Treatment typically involves controlling the underlying condition, as well as medications to reduce calcium levels in the blood.

What are the symptoms of Calciphylaxis cutis?

The symptoms of Calciphylaxis cutis include:

-Painful, purplish-red patches of skin
-Skin ulcers
-Skin necrosis (tissue death)
-Itching
-Skin discoloration
-Thickening of the skin
-Swelling
-Fever
-Fatigue
-Weight loss
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Abdominal pain

What are the causes of Calciphylaxis cutis?

The exact cause of calciphylaxis cutis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Other possible causes include:

• Kidney failure

• Diabetes

• Hyperparathyroidism

• Obesity

• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, and warfarin

• Use of dialysis

• Use of certain medical devices, such as vascular catheters

• Infections, such as HIV or hepatitis C

• Smoking

• Alcoholism

• Certain genetic conditions, such as Fabry disease

What are the treatments for Calciphylaxis cutis?

1. Aggressive wound care: This includes frequent wound debridement, topical wound dressings, and topical antibiotics.

2. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: This therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to increase oxygen levels in the blood.

3. Systemic antibiotics: These are used to treat any underlying infection.

4. Hypercalcemia treatment: This includes medications to reduce calcium levels in the blood.

5. Dialysis: This is used to remove excess calcium and other toxins from the blood.

6. Surgery: This may be necessary to remove dead or infected tissue.

7. Vitamin K supplementation: This helps to reduce calcium levels in the blood.

8. Bisphosphonates: These medications help to reduce calcium levels in the blood.

9. Calc

What are the risk factors for Calciphylaxis cutis?

1. End-stage renal disease
2. Hyperparathyroidism
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Hypertension
6. Hyperlipidemia
7. Use of certain medications, such as warfarin, calcium-containing phosphate binders, and calcitriol
8. Advanced age
9. Female gender
10. African American race

Is there a cure/medications for Calciphylaxis cutis?

At this time, there is no known cure for calciphylaxis cutis. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce calcium levels in the blood, such as cinacalcet, and medications to reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove dead or damaged tissue.