Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of the Newborn

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) of the newborn is a rare, self-limited panniculitis that typically occurs in full-term or post-term newborn infants within the first few weeks of life. SCFN is clinically characterized by firm, red or purple subcutaneous nodules and plaques. SCFN usually has a favorable outcome with spontaneous resolution over several weeks or months. Nonetheless, it may be complicated by critical metabolic alterations, principally hypercalcemia, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.