What Are the Symptoms of Panniculitis?

Panniculitis is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the panniculus (subcutaneous fat layer), characterized by degeneration and necrosis of adipocytes, infiltration by inflammatory cells, and eventual formation of foam cells that phagocytose lipid droplets. So, what are the symptoms of panniculitis? Let’s explore them below.

What Are the Symptoms of Panniculitis?

Panniculitis is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer, presenting clinically as either acute or subacute disease. Its hallmark features include recurrent systemic malaise, arthralgia, fever, and subcutaneous nodules. The predominant clinical manifestations involve skin lesions—particularly subcutaneous nodules—which typically measure 1–2 cm in diameter (though occasionally up to 10 cm). These nodules are slightly elevated, exhibit normal overlying skin color, have limited mobility, and are tender or painful upon palpation. They most commonly occur on the buttocks and lower limbs. In addition to cutaneous manifestations, visceral involvement may also occur, potentially affecting virtually any organ or tissue—including the liver, small intestine, mesentery, greater omentum, retroperitoneal fat, bone marrow, lungs, pleura, myocardium, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

The primary treatment principles involve eliminating any underlying infectious foci and discontinuing all suspected allergenic medications. Appropriate, pathogen-sensitive antibiotics should be administered to control infection. Additional therapeutic options include chloroquine, dapsone, thalidomide, indomethacin, salicylates, and corticosteroids, which can rapidly alleviate acute-phase symptoms—such as fever reduction, nodule resolution, and symptom relief. However, symptoms may recur following dose tapering or drug discontinuation in some cases. Fibrinolytic therapy has also demonstrated certain efficacy.

Dietary Considerations for Panniculitis

1. Choose high-fiber foods, such as leafy green vegetables, radishes, legumes, fruits, shiitake mushrooms, and wood ear fungus.

2. Avoid binge eating; instead, adopt a pattern of small, frequent meals. Limit intake of highly irritating foods and strongly flavored seasonings—such as chili peppers, alcohol, and coffee. Also minimize consumption of fried or greasy foods, as well as gas-producing foods like milk, onions, leeks, and soybeans.

3. Avoid foods high in cholesterol, including fatty meats, animal livers and brains, crab roe, and egg yolks.

We hope the above information is helpful to you.