Panniculitis in childhood

Panniculitis refers to disorders with inflammation of the subcutaneous fat. Such inflammation can be primary or can be a reaction pattern induced by a systemic process. Some types of panniculitis are seen more commonly or exclusively in children. These include erythema nodosum, subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn, sclerema neonatorum, poststeroid panniculitis, and cold panniculitis. The most typical clinical finding is tender, erythematous subcutaneous nodules. Clinical clues can aid in the diagnosis of the panniculitides, but pathology is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In general, the pediatric panniculitides are treated with supportive care and management of any underlying disorders, but certain types such as infectious panniculitis and malignancy-related panniculitis require more specific therapies.