Popsicle or cold panniculitis is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat after prolonged exposure to cold. It is thought to occur more often in infants and young children because they have a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids than older children and adults. Pediatric patients may present to you to be evaluated/ruled out for abuse by social workers, schools, or police and if you have the correct history it is easy to dispo quickly.
Clinical Features of Popsicle Panniculitis
Absence of systemic signs
Minimal pain, with or without
Skin is red to purplish, indurated, may have discrete nodules or plaques
perioral location for popsicles, but may occur at any other area of skin exposure
resolves in 2-3 weeks without scarring
hyperpigmentation may persist
arises within hours to to 1-2 days after exposure to a cold object
References
Shah B. Lucchesi M. Atlas of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. McGraw-Hill Companies. 2006.
