Osteoma Cutis, a Stage of Preosseous Calcification

Osseous nodules were found in the facial skin of a patient who had dermabrasion for folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata. The osteomas contained calcium and phosphorus in a ratio of 11.7, unlike the ratio of 2.15 for true bone. These findings and the periodic acid-Schiff reaction suggest preosseous calcification rather than true bone as the basis for the osteomas in this case. Since osteomas may have been present prior to dermabrasion, the role of dermabrasion remains uncertain.