Sclerema Neonatorum is a rare type of physical panniculitis that occurs in very ill premature infants. The skin of these infants develops an induration or hardening in the first few days of life. The hardening begins on the lower extremities or buttocks and rapidly progresses to involve the rest of the body. Typically, the palms and soles are not involved. The skin becomes so tense that the infant cannot move. Most infants with this skin disease do not survive unless the underlying internal abnormalities resolve.
