What is subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn?
Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is a rare condition resulting in firm, inflamed, skin-coloured to purple nodules (lumps) in the fat, It occurs in the first weeks after birth. It is a form of panniculitis. The nodules may present as discrete lumps on the back, buttocks and limbs, or as large hardened areas. It is less severe than sclerema neonatorum, another condition that may cause hardened skin in a newborn baby.
