Living with Calciphylaxis
A condition in which calcium builds up in blood vessel walls and blocks blood flow, causing painful skin sores.
Understanding Calciphylaxis
The lack of blood flow damages tissue. The most obvious sign is skin damage, because ulcers can form and easily become infected. It can also affect fat tissue, internal organs, and muscle, causing infections and pain. It usually starts in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Skin sores (ulcers)
- Skin infection (cellulitis)
- Mottled, net-like skin patterns
- Pain
- Calcium buildup in arteries
- Infection in the blood (sepsis)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Kidney Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The exact cause is unknown.
Patient organizations
- National Kidney FoundationCalciphylaxis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Calciphylaxis.
Explore research for Calciphylaxis
Explore actively recruiting Calciphylaxis studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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