Panniculitis

Panniculitis is an inflammation in the fat tissue under the skin, and it has various types and causes.

Panniculitis

Panniculitis is actually a group of conditions that describe the inflammation of the fat tissue under the skin. The inflammation occurs in the panniculus adiposus, which is the fatty tissue in the subcutaneous fat, which is located under the skin and above the muscle.

Panniculitis isn’t a common condition, but it can affect anyone at any age.

Causes of panniculitis

A lot of causes can result in panniculitis, and this leads to its different types. Some of the causes are:

• Physical injury or trauma.
• Exposure to cold temperature.
• Bacterial or viral infections.
• As a reaction to a certain medication.
• Certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic issues, and some autoimmune conditions, like sarcoidosis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms of panniculitis

Panniculitis occurs more in the legs and arms, and it causes:

• Nodules, or lumps, under the skin, which are painful or tender when touched.
• Skin discoloration that appears as spotted bruises.
• Intense pain that may make the person unable to do their regular daily activities.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Fever.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Panniculitis can lead to sores, ulcerations, and skin hardening or thinning.

Diagnosis of panniculitis

• Physical exam.
• Skin biopsy.

Treatment of panniculitis

• Treating panniculitis depends on the type and cause.
• You can take care of yourself by elevating the legs to reduce the swelling, avoiding strenuous physical activities until recovery, eating anti-inflammatory foods (like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits), and avoiding alcohol.
• The risk of panniculitis can be reduced by dressing properly when going out in cold temperatures and taking care of overall health.