Cold panniculitis

Background

• Prolonged exposure to temp >freezing leads to mild necrosis of subcutaneous fat tissue

Clinical Features

• Seen in children (popsicles) and women involved in equestrian activities

Differential Diagnosis

Cold injuries

• Generalized
  • Accidental hypothermia
  • Therapeutic hypothermia
• Freezing
  • Frostbite
• Non-freezing
  • Trench foot
  • Chilblains (Pernio)
  • Cold panniculitis
  • Cold urticaria
  • Polar thigh

Diagnosis

• Usually clinical

Management

• There is no treatment

Complications

• Resolution may result in adipose fibrosis with cosmetic defects

See Also

Cold Injuries (Non-Freezing)