[A painful skin disorder in two newborn babies: neonatal subcutaneous fat necrosis]

Two newborn infant girls, both born after a complicated delivery, developed painful skin lesions. They were diagnosed with subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn. This is an uncommon and often very painful skin condition of which the aetiology is unknown. These babies have erythematous red-purple firm and painful subcutaneous nodules of fat necrosis. The disease usually runs a favourable course, treatment consisting mainly of supportive measures and adequate pain relief. However, thrombocytopenia and hypercalcaemia are complications which may be life-threatening if not treated adequately. Both neonates developed thrombocytopenia and symptomatic hypercalcaemia. Both newborns recovered after a prolonged period of hypercalcaemia but were left with scars.