Tips for Treating Calcinosis Cutis

Out of all the symptoms of Cushing’s disease, the most difficult to deal with is probably calcinosis cutis. If your dog has calcinosis cutis, you’ll notice raised, hard areas with gritty surfaces on his or her skin. This is caused by calcium deposits in the dermis of the skin and can be very raw and painful.

One of the things that makes calcinosis cutis so difficult is that, even when a dog is on a steady dose of medication, it can take a while to improve and often gets worse before getting better. Once cortisol is under control, your dog’s body will eventually stop forming new lesions, but the progression tends to be slow.

The good news is that there are several products that can help with the healing process. I’ve listed the most popular ones below. Please note, these suggestions are not meant to replace advice from a medical professional. We recommend consulting your veterinarian before beginning any treatment.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

DMSO is a topical gel used to treat calcinosis cutis and other inflammatory conditions in dogs and horses. The dose varies but is usually a thin layer applied to affected areas every 24 hours. This should help to break down calcium deposits in the skin. Look for DMSO that is 99% pure, medical grade gel, with a concentration of 70% DMSO and 30% water.

NOTE: Use DMSO with caution. Wear disposable gloves when applying. Apply only to clean, dry skin, as it will move anything on the skin into the bloodstream of your dog. It is generally advised to avoid applying DMSO to open wounds.

As with any medical product, please be on the lookout for adverse effects when using DMSO. Although generally safe, it can cause excess calcium to be absorbed into the bloodstream and other rare side effects. If using this product, having your dog’s calcium levels periodically checked by a veterinarian is recommended.

Activated charcoal powder

Some pet owners say that activated charcoal baths have improved their dog’s skin lesions. Activated charcoal is widely available through Amazon and several other stores. Make sure you buy a powder formulation that is coconut derived.

To use:

(1) Scoop out charcoal and mix with water to make a paste. The amounts of charcoal and water will depend on how much paste you need for your particular dog and your desired consistency.

(2) Coat your dog’s lesions with the paste.

(3) Leave on for about 20 minutes.

(4) Rinse the paste off with water while gently rubbing the lesions. This will encourage crust and scabs to flake off.

(5) Make sure your dog is thoroughly dry after rinsing.

Douxo S3 Products

Douxo products can help to soothe irritated skin. Here are the products usually recommended for calcinosis cutis:

Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal shampoo

Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Mousse

Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo

Colloidal oatmeal shampoo is known to relieve itch and irritation.

Nu-Stock All Purpose

Soothing ointments are another option that could help. Nu-Stock All Purpose is one that has good reviews from owners of dogs with calcinosis cutis. Your veterinarian may have other recommendations.

Manuka Honey

Scientific studies show that manuka honey may be effective for treating skin conditions, due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied directly to your dog’s lesions. When purchasing, look for medical grade honey, rather than the grocery store kind. One product to consider is Silver Honey Hot Spot and Wound Care Spray, which contains both manuka honey and Microsilver BG.

T-shirts or onesies

Since calcinosis cutis can be itchy, dogs will want to scratch their skin. Putting t-shirts or onesies on them may prevent scratching.

See also:

DMSO Medication Guide and Precautions

Calcinosis Cutis in Dogs (Facebook group)

Calcinosis Cutis, by Dermatology Clinic for Animals