Cold panniculitis
Background
- Also known as Haxthausen disease
- Exposure to cold temperatures → inflammation and mild necrosis of subcutaneous fat tissue
- Infants are most susceptible due to higher percentage of saturated fatty acids in newborn fat tissue[1]
Clinical Features
- Erythematous, indurated, tender, firm plaques or nodules on areas exposed to cold[2]
- Lesions develop 24-72 hours after exposure and resolve within 2 weeks[3]
- Resolution may result in adipose fibrosis with cosmetic defects (especially if area is not protected from further cold exposure)
Differential Diagnosis
Cold injuries
- Generalized
- Freezing
- Non-freezing
Evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis
- Reproduction of lesions approximately half a day after application of an ice cube to the volar forearm for 2 minutes may help with diagnosis[2][3]
Management
- Protect affected area from further cold exposure
- Otherwise, no specific treatment (lesions resolve spontaneously)
Disposition
- Discharge
See Also
References
- ↑ Bolotin D, et al. Cold panniculitis following ice therapy for cardiac arrhythmia. Pediatr Dermatol. 2011 Mar-Apr;28(2):192-4.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Quesada-Cortés A, et al. Cold panniculitis. Dermatol Clin. 2008 Oct;26(4):485-9
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lipke MM, Cutlan JE, Smith AC. Cold panniculitis: delayed onset in an adult. Cutis. 2015 Jan;95(1):21-4.