Traumatic panniculitis.

Traumatic panniculitis refers to changes in the subcutaneous fat related to physical or chemical agents. The clinical picture of traumatic panniculitis is nonspecific. Cutaneous lesions are indurated, warm, red, subcutaneous plaques or nodules not necessary related to the intensity of the injury. The histologic picture includes fat microcysts surrounded by histiocytes, collections of foam cells, and inflammatory cells. Late lesions may show fibrosis, lipomembranous changes, or dystrophic calcic deposits. Traumatic panniculitis is usually a self-limiting disorder and requires only symptomatic treatment.