Calcinosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Calcinosis?
A rheumatologist (a doctor who treats joint and autoimmune diseases) or a dermatologist (a skin doctor) usually guides care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is calcinosis?
Calcinosis is a condition in which calcium salts build up in the soft tissues. They form most often in the skin and the tissue just under it. Doctors call the skin form calcinosis cutis. The deposits form hard lumps under the skin.
The lumps may cause no trouble at all. Or they can hurt, break open the skin, and make it hard to use the nearby joints. Calcinosis is a common feature of systemic scleroderma. That is an autoimmune disorder that hardens the skin. Care depends on the cause, so doctors look for an underlying disease.
Symptoms
Signs of calcinosis are:
- Hard, whitish or yellowish lumps under the skin.
- Pain in the affected area.
- Swelling and tenderness.
- Stiff joints, or limited movement, when deposits form near a joint.
- Open sores (ulcers) over the deposits. These may leak a chalky white material.
The deposits can become infected. That causes pain, redness, and swelling. Large deposits may press on nearby nerves. That can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness.
Causes and who gets it
Calcinosis has several forms. The most common, called dystrophic calcification, happens when calcium settles into injured tissue. Blood calcium levels stay normal in this form. It is linked to autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The most common are systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), dermatomyositis, and lupus erythematosus. Injury and burns can also trigger it.
Another form, metastatic calcification, comes from problems in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Chronic kidney disease with overactive parathyroid glands is the most common cause. About 3 in 10 adults with dermatomyositis get calcinosis. In children with the juvenile form, it can reach 7 in 10. In systemic sclerosis, it affects up to 4 in 10 patients.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start with a physical exam and a history of the underlying disease. X-rays are the most common first imaging test. They show the deposits well. Ultrasound can describe the deposits. CT scans give more detail. Blood tests check calcium, phosphorus, kidney function, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D. When the diagnosis is not clear, doctors may take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment is challenging. Care is planned for each person. General steps include avoiding injury to the affected areas, not smoking, and limiting cold exposure. These steps keep blood flowing well to the hands and feet.
Surgery is the most common and most effective treatment when the deposits are small and in one area. It can remove the deposits fully. But wounds may heal slowly, and deposits can come back. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, is the most used drug treatment. Other medicines, such as bisphosphonates, minocycline, and sodium thiosulfate, have helped some patients. Corticosteroid shots have been used for limited deposits.
Treating the underlying disease is central to care. Calcinosis itself has no cure. Treatment eases symptoms and prevents problems.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any new, growing, or painful lump under the skin. Get care right away if the skin over a deposit breaks open, drains pus, or turns red and warm. Get care too if you develop a fever. These can be signs of infection that needs prompt treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can start the workup, order basic blood tests, refer you to a rheumatologist or skin doctor, and follow your health over the long term.
Common questions
Is calcinosis the same as kidney stones?
No. Calcinosis is calcium building up in soft tissues such as the skin. It is often linked to autoimmune disease or to calcium and phosphorus problems.
Can calcinosis be prevented?
It cannot always be prevented. Early and strong treatment of the underlying disease may help prevent calcinosis. This is most shown in children with juvenile dermatomyositis. Avoiding injury to affected areas, not smoking, and limiting cold exposure are also advised.
Does calcinosis go away?
Calcinosis is a long-term condition with no cure. But outcomes vary. Deposits linked to a metabolic problem may resolve after calcium and phosphorus levels return to normal. Surgery can remove deposits, though they may come back.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
