300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 My Child Has: Cellulitis Programs that treat this condition Dermatology Program   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 beta - hemolytic streptococcus Streptococcus pyogenes Staphylococcus aureus Other causes may include human or animal bites, or injuries that occur in water. 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 foot if the skin appears black if the area that is red and swollen is around your child's eye(s) or behind the 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 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 for cellulitis: Specific treatment for cellulitis will be determined by your child's physician based on: your child's age, overall health, and medical history Immediate treatment can help prevent the spread of cellulitis. Treatment may include: oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics warm, wet dressings on the infection site surgical intervention if your child has an extremity (arm or leg) that is affected, his/her physician may have you elevate the extremity and decrease the amount of activity rest Based on the physical examination, your child's physician may treat your child in the hospital depending on the severity of the cellulitis. In the hospital, your child may receive antibiotics and fluids through an intravenous (IV) catheter. Are there any complications from cellulitis? Complications can be reduced with prompt and accurate treatment by your child's physician. The most common complications include the following: meningitis - an inflammation of the membrane of the brain and the spinal cord. septic (infectious) arthritis - an infection of a joint caused by bacteria. glomerulonephritis - an inflammation of the kidneys. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.