Panniculitis (inflamed fat under the skin)

Overview

Erythema nodosum is the most common type.

Causes include strep, pregnancy, sarcoidosis, and some medicines.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tender lumps under skin
• Tender red lumps on the shins

Less common

• Fever

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• People with lupus, pancreatitis, or infections: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Skin dimpling: From fat loss

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Rest
• Raise the legs
• Use pain relievers
• Use cool compresses

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat the cause

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Often fades in weeks.

Most heal in weeks.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What's causing it?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Panniculitis (inflamed fat under the skin)