P15.6: Subcutaneous fat necrosis due to birth injury
There is fatty tissue beneath the skin in many places in the body. It acts as an energy store and insulation, for example.
The fatty tissue beneath the child’s skin can get damaged during the birth if the blood supply is insufficient so that it does not get enough oxygen. This can happen due to a lot of pressure on the fatty tissue or to the child being poorly supplied with oxygen, for example. There is pressure, for example, during a vaginal birth. This pressure is necessary for the child to be born through the vagina. There is also pressure on the child when a forceps is used.
If the fatty tissue is damaged, parts of the fatty tissue can die off. A few days after the birth calluses can then form and be felt beneath the skin. In the places affected the skin will be brownish or blue-red.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.