What is "sclerema neonatorum"

Sclerema \Scle*re"ma\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. sklhro`s hard.] (Med.) Induration of the cellular tissue.

Sclerema of adults. See Scleroderma.

Sclerema neonatorum[NL., of the newborn], an affection characterized by a peculiar hardening and rigidity of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues in the newly born. It is usually fatal. Called also skinbound disease.

Sclerema neonatorum is a rare and severe skin condition that is characterized by diffuse hardening of the subcutaneous tissue with minimal inflammation. It usually affects premature, ill newborns. Prognosis is poor.

Minimal inflammation helps distinguish sclerema neonaturum from subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn.