What are complications of cellulitis?
Complications of cellulitis can be very serious. These can include extensive tissue damage and tissue death (gangrene). The infection can also spread to the blood, bones, lymph system, heart, or nervous system. These infections can lead to amputation, shock, or even death.
How serious is cellulitis in children?
Some cases of cellulitis are considered an emergency. Consult your child’s doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms in your child: A very large area of red, inflamed skin.
What is pediatric cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin that usually occurs after some type of trauma causes an opening in your child’s skin. The infection typically involves your child’s face or the arms and legs. Cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
How is pediatric cellulitis treated?
Mild cases of pediatric cellulitis can be treated with clindamycin, cephalexin, dicloxacillin, amoxicillin or penicillin. In cases where Staphylococcus aureus, especially MRSA, is suspected, Shriner and Wilkie recommended trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline or clindamycin.
What are severe symptoms of cellulitis?
Symptoms
- Red area of skin that tends to expand.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Pain.
- Warmth.
- Fever.
- Red spots.
- Blisters.
Can cellulitis lead to meningitis?
If left untreated, the skin infection can spread to the lymph nodes or blood. This bodily invasion can lead to a severe — and potentially deadly — blood infection called sepsis. Untreated facial cellulitis can cause bacterial meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
What causes cellulitis in infants?
Cellulitis can occur in infants, and the site of the original injury may not be apparent. Cellulitis can be caused by an accidental injury by the caregiver or by the infant causing self-injury (such as from scratching). Having a weakened immune system is another risk factor for developing a cellulitis infection.
What are the three causes of cellulitis?
Breaks in the skin due to injury or infection are a common pathway for bacteria. Cuts, open sores, insect bites, eczema, and even fungal infections like athlete’s foot can lead to cellulitis.
Who is at risk for cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a non-contagious bacterial infection of the skin and the deeper tissues beneath the skin. Anyone can get it, but the risk is higher if you have a cut, an animal bite or an ulcer, or if you have a weakened immune system.
How do you prevent cellulitis in children?
Cellulitis may be prevented by:
- Cleaning cuts, scrapes, or other injuries right away.
- Making sure your child doesn’t touch or scratch cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.
- Keeping your child’s fingernails short to prevent scratching.
How cellulitis is diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose cellulitis by doing a physical examination and looking at the affected skin. Blood or other lab tests are usually not needed.
What antibiotics do u take for cellulitis?
Usually, cellulitis is presumed to be due to staphylococci or streptococci infection and may be treated with cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, nafcillin, or oxacillin. Antimicrobial options in patients who are allergic to penicillin include clindamycin or vancomycin.