What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin. The infection usually involves the face, or the arms and legs. It may happen in normal skin, but it usually occurs after some type of trauma causes an opening in your child's skin. This opening can lead to an infection.

What is the cause of cellulitis?

Cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of a wound or area of skin that is no longer intact. The most common bacterial causes of cellulitis include the following:

group A ß - hemolytic streptococcus

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Staphylococcus aureus

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

Swelling of the skin

Tenderness

Warm skin

Pain

Bruising

Blisters

Fever

Headache

Chills

Feeling weak

Red streaks from the original site of the cellulitis

Some cases of cellulitis are considered an emergency. Consult your child's physician immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms in your child:

A very large area of red, inflamed skin

Fever

If the area affected is causing your child to complain of numbness, tingling, or other changes in a hand, arm, leg, or footv

If the skin appears black

If the area that is red and swollen is around your child's eye(s) or behind his/her ear(s)

If your child has diabetes or has a weakened immune system and develops cellulitis

The symptoms of cellulitis may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is cellulitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on a medical history and physical examination of your child. Blood and skin samples may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and the type of bacteria that is present.

Treatment

A child with severe cellulitis may be treated in the hospital using intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Kids with milder cellulitis can be treated at home with antibiotics. The doctor may also suggest that the affected part of the body be immobilized and elevated to reduce swelling and pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.

After 1 or 2 days on antibiotics at home, a child may return to see the doctor, who'll check that the area of cellulitis has improved and that the antibiotics are working to heal the infection.