Calcinosis Cutis Secondary to Acne Vulgaris: A Rare Complication

Introduction: This abstract reports a case of calcinosis cutis, a rare complication of acne vulgaris, in a 30-year-old woman. Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease characterized by various lesions, including comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules. While hyperpigmentation and scarring are common complications, calcinosis cutis, involving calcium salt deposits in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, is rare. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old woman with a long history of skin-colored papules on her cheeks was diagnosed with comedonal acne. She was treated with isotretinoin (30 mg per day) for more than three months without improvement. On examination, multiple skin-colored papules of various sizes (2 - 6 mm) were observed primarily over the cheeks. A diagnosis of calcinosis cutis was suspected after noting the failure of isotretinoin therapy and absence of comedones on closer inspection of the skin using a magnifier lens. An X-ray revealed soft tissue calcifications along the acne lesions on both cheeks. Normal blood test results (serum calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, ANA) were obtained. The patient underwent surgical removal of the calcium deposits under local anesthesia. Discussion: Calcinosis cutis is a rare but significant complication of acne vulgaris. It presents as calcium salt deposits in the skin, typically in areas with long-standing acne lesions. A detailed clinical and radiographic examination is essential for diagnosis, and surgical removal is a potential treatment option.