What are the other Names for this Condition (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Ice Cube Panniculitis

What is Popsicle Panniculitis? (Definition/ Background Information)

• Popsicle Panniculitis is a form of cold panniculitis that typically develops when young children suck or lick on ice creams, popsicles, or ice cubes. It is a harmless and self-resolving condition
• Cold panniculitis is an acute condition resulting in the inflammation of subcutaneous fat tissue just beneath the skin, on exposure to cold temperatures
• Popsicle Panniculitis causes the presence of generally painless subcutaneous plaques at the site of cold exposure, around the cheeks and lips. No severe symptoms or adverse complications are reported
• In many children, the condition does not require any treatment and it gets better on its own, within 2-3 weeks. The prognosis of Popsicle Panniculitis is typically excellent

Who gets Popsicle Panniculitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Popsicle Panniculitis is a rare condition that is observed in newborns and infant children (usually before age 12 months)
• Both males and females are affected almost equally
• No racial or ethnic group predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Popsicle Panniculitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Popsicle Panniculitis include infants being exposed to cold, which specifically occurs from:

• Licking on ice-creams or popsicles
• Sucking on an ice cube
• Using an icepack on newborn infants can lead to cold panniculitis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Popsicle Panniculitis? (Etiology)

• Popsicle Panniculitis occurs in infants following prolonged exposure to cold on licking a popsicle or ice lolly
• It is reported that the subcutaneous fat crystalizes on exposure to cold temperatures resulting in inflammation
• Small children, particularly infants, have a higher concentration of subcutaneous fat in their cheeks than adults, and are hence more vulnerable to the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Popsicle Panniculitis?

The signs and symptoms of Popsicle Panniculitis may include:

• The presence of thickened skin causing nodules and plaques; usually, the condition manifests as localized swollen skin
• Usually reddish discoloration is noted at the exposed site after 6 hours to within 2-3 days of the cold exposure event (such as licking on a popsicle)
• Popsicle Panniculitis mainly involves the cheeks and lips; puffiness of the cheeks may be noted
• No pain or itching is generally observed

How is Popsicle Panniculitis Diagnosed?

Popsicle Panniculitis may be diagnosed using the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination with comprehensive evaluation of medical history
• Assessment of the signs and symptoms
• Radiographic studies of the affected region, if needed
• Skin or tissue biopsy, if needed, in rare cases: A biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• A differential diagnosis to exclude the following conditions may be necessary prior to a definitive diagnosis:
  • Chilblains
  • Frostbite
  • Infectious cellulitis
  • Sclerema neonatorum
  • Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn
  • Traumatic panniculitis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Popsicle Panniculitis?

In a majority of children, no significant complications due to Popsicle Panniculitis are noted. However, the condition may recur, until the child grows up to be slightly older.

How is Popsicle Panniculitis Treated?

In many infants and small children, no treatment is necessary for Popsicle Panniculitis, since it is known to resolve spontaneously, within a few weeks. If required, the following measures may be considered:

• Symptomatic and supportive therapy
• Gradually and gently warming the affected skin region can help in recovery

How can Popsicle Panniculitis be Prevented?

• A repeat episode of Popsicle Panniculitis may be prevented by limiting exposure of infants to cold situations
• Educating parents and caretakers of newborn children and infants is beneficial

What is the Prognosis of Popsicle Panniculitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Popsicle Panniculitis is typically excellent, since it is a self-limiting condition with no severe symptoms or complications being noted.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Popsicle Panniculitis:

There are many different types of panniculitis and it has been difficult to obtain an accurate picture of their true incidence, since they may be associated with so many conditions. The different types may include:

• Lupus panniculitis
• Pancreatitis-associated panniculitis
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency associated panniculitis
• Infective panniculitis