What causes cellulitis of the eye in child?

Cellulitis of the eye is an infection of the skin and tissues around the eye. It is also called preseptal cellulitis or periorbital cellulitis. This type of infection is often caused by bacteria. It may happen after a sinus infection, a dental infection, an insect bite, or an injury to the face.

How do you treat periorbital cellulitis in children?

Treatment for periorbital cellulitis usually includes oral antibiotics. Close follow-up with your child’s physician is necessary for constant monitoring. Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition and must be treated promptly.

How long does it take for cellulitis of the eye to go away?

With proper treatment and care, small patches of cellulitis can heal in around five or seven days. However, the healing process is largely influenced by the severity of your cellulitis as well as your current health condition. For example, severe cases of cellulitis can last for multiple weeks despite treatment.

Is periorbital cellulitis an emergency?

If treatment is inadequate and/or delayed, vision loss, cavernous sinus thrombosis, intracranial abscess, meningitis, osteomyelitis and even death can occur within a short time. Orbital cellulitis is an emergency and admission and in-patient management must be instituted immediately.

What antibiotics treat cellulitis?

Normal skin can develop cellulitis, but it usually occurs when bacteria enters an open wound. The best antibiotic to treat cellulitis include dicloxacillin, cephalexin, trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, or doxycycline antibiotics.

How serious is periorbital cellulitis?

Periorbital cellulitis is treatable with antibiotics. However, without treatment, it can progress to orbital cellulitis, which is a potentially life threatening infection that affects the eyeball itself.

How is cellulitis treated in toddlers?

Most children with cellulitis will be prescribed oral antibiotics, which you can give at home. Your child should respond to the antibiotics and begin to show improvement within two to three days. If the infection does not get better, go back to your GP.

Can periorbital cellulitis spread?

Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the skin and tissues in the front of your eye. The infection can quickly cause vision problems. It can spread to your brain and cause meningitis. Periorbital cellulitis must be treated immediately to prevent serious complications.

What is the treatment for orbital cellulitis?

Treatment of orbital cellulitis includes antibiotics and other supportive therapies. An ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist should also be consulted for proper examination and because, in some cases, surgery may be required.