Weber-Christian disease
How is panniculitis treated?
Doctors will aim to treat the underlying cause of the panniculitis, if known, and relieve some of the symptoms. While treatment is underway, you will be asked to ensure you get enough rest and to elevate the affected area when possible.
Treatments will vary; for example, if panniculitis is triggered by medication, this medicine should be stopped but don't stop taking any medication without first speaking to your GP.
If the cause is a bacterial infection, you will be prescribed anti-inflammatory antibiotics, such as tetracycline, to clear the infection.
If the cause is sarcoidosis, you may not need any medical treatment as the disease often goes away on its own with time (usually a couple of years). Often, simple lifestyle changes, over the counter painkillers, and support bandages are all that is needed to control any flare ups.
If the condition is severe and the above treatments don't help, you may wish to consider surgical removal of particularly bad patches of skin. Your GP will refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) to discuss the pros and cons of surgery.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Panniculitis is a broad term meaning inflammation of the fatty layer underneath the skin. It is usually seen in women, on the thighs and lower legs.
Other symptoms
As well as skin symptoms, panniculitis may also be associated with: fever fatigue weight loss nausea and vomiting joint pain
What are the causes?
There are a wide range of possible causes of panniculitis, although often the cause is not known. Common causes include: an infection usually a viral or bacterial infection, but sometimes Tuberculos
Types of panniculitis
The layer of fat underneath the skin is made of lobules (groups of fat cells) held together by connective tissue. Doctors sometimes classify the disease as either: mostly septal the inflammation mos
How is panniculitis treated?
Doctors will aim to treat the underlying cause of the panniculitis, if known, and relieve some of the symptoms. While treatment is underway, you will be asked to ensure you get enough rest and to elev
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