Cold Panniculitis: Delayed Onset in an Adult
The panniculitides are a complex dermatologic entity for both dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Panniculitis is an inflammation of the subcutaneous adipose tissue and can be associated with systemic diseases. We present a case of cold panniculitis, a form of traumatic panniculitis, in a 37-year-old woman that was caused by a cold therapy unit. Our patient did not develop lesions until 10 days following initiation of therapy, which is a unique presentation of cold panniculitis, as lesions usually develop 1 to 3 days after cold exposure.
Practice Points
- Cold panniculitis is a form of traumatic panniculitis.
- Cold panniculitis often appears on the cheeks and chin, areas that are exposed to cold weather or wind because they are not covered with protective clothing, in infants and small children.
- Treatment of cold panniculitis is based on the prevention of further insult.
Acknowledgment
The authors thank the staff at the Office of Scientific Writing and Publication at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Wisconsin, for their editorial assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.
