Cellulitis is an infection under the skin involving underlying soft tissues and is caused by a bacteria infection. Cellulitis often causes redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness of an area under the skin. Also, fever and malaise may be present. Cellulitis in children can be common and occurs when the skin is broken, insect bites, eczema, small cuts, etc.

Cellulitis, Doctor checking skin

CAUSES:

Most likely bacterial, including streptococcus (strept) and staphylococcus (staph). More rarely, Haemophilus influenza type B, fungus, or other bacterial species

TREATMENT:

Antibiotics, drainage of an abscess if necessary

OUTCOME:

Excellent with treatment

CONTAGION:

Cellulitis is non-contagious

DISCUSSION:

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria invading the tissue underneath the skin. Usually, the skin acts as a protective layer for the body.  Cuts, trauma, burns or surgery can compromise this protective layer. These conditions provide bacteria a point of entry into the body.  Once the bacteria invade the area under the skin, it can grow. This can happen to anyone, but it is more likely to happen in people with an underlying illness such as diabetes or an immunosuppressive disease. Once cellulitis is diagnosed, treatment with antibiotics can begin. Oral antibiotics can be attempted, but if there is no improvement in 24 to 48 hours, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. If the infected area is consolidated into an abscess, it can be drained. If the area is not consolidated, antibiotics are the only treatment. If intravenous antibiotics are needed, a blood culture can be taken to try to determine the exact organism causing the infection. However, more likely than not, the exact organism will not be found unless you can culture the fluid from a drained abscess. Treatment is usually for a period of ten days.

ONE DOCTOR’S OPINION:

I diagnose cellulitis by feeling a red, hot, inflamed area on the skin. The glands near the infection are usually enlarged and painful as well. I try oral antibiotics first, but I find that I eventually have to admit about half of all children with this diagnosis to the hospital for intravenous therapy. Usually, children respond quickly to the intravenous antibiotics.  I can typically send patients home in two to three days and continue them on an oral antibiotic at home. Ten days of therapy should clear the infection. This illness is not contagious. The infection is sometimes named according to the area of the body it affects. For example, orbital cellulitis affects the eye while periorbital cellulitis affects the area around the eye.

Written by Dr. Michael Bornstein, who has 30 years of experience as a pediatrician. 

Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.