Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn: a case presentation.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis is normally a self-limiting condition. A complication of subcutaneous fat necrosis is hypercalcemia. If the infant is discharged from the hospital before the lesions are healed, the family should be instructed to monitor the infant for the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia. The parents need to understand the importance of keeping follow-up appointments to monitor the calcium levels. It is important to reassure the family that the lesions will disappear with time. They need to be instructed to leave the lesions alone. The lesions should not be punctured, nor should the family apply hot or cold compresses to the sites. The family should be cautioned against exposing the baby to sunlight to lower endogenous vitamin D production.