Calcinosis Cutis: WOC Nurse Management.

Background: Calcinosis cutis is characterized by deposition of calcium in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. This condition may be initially identified by the WOC nurse, and its management requires a team approach. Calcinosis cutis is a debilitating and painful condition; it is difficult to manage, and widely agreed-upon standards for treatment have not been established.

Cases: Two patients who presented with calcium deposits in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue are discussed. The first was initially misdiagnosed as venous ulcerations; the second presented with a confirmed diagnoses of calcinosis cutis, Raynaud's disease, and scleroderma.

Conclusions: Despite the lack of a standardized approach to treatment of calcinosis cutis, successful management of these patients was achieved by adhering to evidence-based wound-healing principles: (1) find and treat the underlying cause, (2) support the host, and (3) adhere to moist wound-healing principles.