Cause
A spreading skin infection, cellulitis often begins in an area of broken skin like a scrape, cut, or scratch. It can be caused by many different bacteria; most common are group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcusaureus.
Symptoms
Cellulitis typically appears on the face and lower legs. It begins as a small, tender, red, swollen area. As it spreads, the child may begin to feel ill. The child also may develop fever, sometimes with chills and sweating. Sometimes lymph nodes (glands) near the area become swollen.
How It Spreads
It is not contagious.
Incubation Period
Depending on the type of bacteria, it can take from hours to days to appear.
How Long Symptoms Last
With antibiotic treatment it is usually cured within 7 to 10 days.
When to Call Your Child’s Doctor
Call your child’s doctor whenever an area of your child’s skin becomes red, warm, and painful, with or without fever and chills, especially if on the face. Call immediately if your child has a chronic illness like sicklecell anemia or is receiving treatment that weakens the immune system.
How the Diagnosis Is Made
Your child’s doctor will examine the involved skin area. In some cases, blood tests will be ordered to check to see if the infection has spread to the blood.
Treatment
Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed. In severe cases, your child will be hospitalized for intravenous antibiotic treatment. Usually your child’s doctor will want to see your child a few days after the start of treatment to see if cellulitis has improved.
Home Treatment
Heat or warm soaks can be applied to the affected area.
Prevention
Wash any wound or scrape well with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with an adhesive bandage or gauze. Check with your child’s doctor if your child gets a large cut, a deep puncture wound, or a bite (animal or human).
Complications
Cellulitis can occur very quickly after an animal or human bite, especially if the wound is deep.