Patient Education
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. The germs enter through cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or cracked skin. It can also happen even without a visible injury, especially in children with other health problems. Cellulitis is not contagious,it cannot spread from one person to another.
What causes cellulitis?
Different types of bacteria cause cellulitis. Some common ones are -
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
These bacteria affect a wound on the skin, or they can travel through a hole in the skin when the skin is breached. However, cellulitis can develop in areas where the skin is not broken, particularly in people with chronic conditions or who take immune-suppressing medications.
This is a non-contagious infection, which does not spread from one person to another.
What are the symptoms of cellulitis?
- Red, warm, painful, and swollen skin
- Fever or chills
- Blisters or pus
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection
- In eye-related cellulitis: swelling and redness around the eye
Always see a doctor if your child shows these symptoms.
How is cellulitis diagnosed?
A medical history and physical examination of the child are usually used to make a diagnosis. Blood and skin samples may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the type of bacteria present. The doctor will do the following during the culture procedure:
- Using a needle, scalpel, or small blade, puncture any blisters or pus-filled pockets
- To collect the sample, rub a sterile cotton swab across the skin.
- Send the specimen to a laboratory for testing.
A positive blood culture indicates that bacteria from the skin infection have entered the bloodstream.
How is cellulitis treated?
The child's doctor will determine the best treatment for cellulitis based on the following factors:
- The age, general health, and medical history of the child
- The disease's extent
- Tolerance of the child to specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the disease's progression
Children with mild cases of cellulitis who are otherwise healthy can receive oral antibiotic pills or syrups as an outpatient treatment. Antibiotics usually resolve the infection in 7 to 10 days. Even if the child recovers sooner, it's crucial to take all of the prescribed antibiotics. If not, the infection might come back.
Patients with severe cellulitis may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.
Self-care treatment - For cellulitis, there are no self-care procedures. Visit the child's doctor right away, or take them to the emergency room. You can elevate the affected body part, such as an arm or leg, to lessen or avoid swelling.
How to prevent cellulitis?
You can help prevent cellulitis by:
- Cleaning any cuts or wounds right away with clean water or saline
- Using antiseptic and covering with a clean, dry bandage
- Keeping skin moisturized to avoid cracks
- Checking skin regularly – especially in young children or those with skin conditions like eczema
What can parents do?
- Ensure your child consumes the prescribed dosage of antibiotics for the entire recommended course.
- Follow the doctor's advice when it comes to treating the cellulitis-affected area of the body, such as elevating the area or giving it heat or warm soaks.
- To reduce pain and a fever, you can administer over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Observe the dosage and administration recommendations on the packaging.