Colchicine suppression of local inflammation due to calcinosis in dermatomyositis and progressive systemic sclerosis.

Two girls, one with progressive systemic sclerosis and a second with dermatomyositis, developed calcinosis in the skin of the prepatellar area. Calcinosis was accompanied by local inflammation and skin ulceration. Oral colchicine therapy in a dosage of 1 mg per day was followed within two months by significant regression of local inflammation and healing of the skin ulcers.