Cellulitis is inflammation of the tissue below the skin; the infection most often occurs on the face, neck or legs.
In cellulitis,
the cells become infected causing redness, pain, and swelling. If
untreated, the infection may spread to the lymphatic system or to the
blood stream causing bacteremia.
In orbital cellulitis
the infection is of the tissue surrounding the eyes and is a more
serious form. It is characterized by redness, swelling of the eyelids
pain and tenderness.
The infection is caused by the streptococcus pyogenes or the staphylococcus aureus. It can be picked up from someone who has a strep throat or by direct contact with infected lesions.
In children orbital cellulitis may be caused by the haemophilus influenzae.
Risk factors
Those that are at risk are those with existing medical conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- AIDS
- Those with organ transplant
- Those on steroids
- Those with reduced blood circulation
Orbital cellulitis can occur after surgery of the face. It can be as result of an upper respiratory tract infection or sinus infection.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms are pain, redness, fever, swelling, chill and general malaise.
The area will feel overly warm.
When the lymph vessels are infected a thick red line can be seen leaving the area and extending to the heart.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
is made by taking a medical history and by assessment of the symptoms. A
swab from any infected wounds or lesions can be obtained for culture
and sensitivity. Blood tests for blood cells count would show increased
white blood cells as the body tries to fight the infection.
In orbital cellulitis a CT scan will identify the extent of any damage.
Treatment
Antibiotic such as penicillin or erythromycin
can be used to treat the infection. In severe cases antibiotics would
be given intravenously to prevent complications and to speed up
recovery.
To relieve the symptoms, analgesia such as acetaminophen can be given for relief of pain. Aspirin will reduce the fever.
Rest and elevation of the affected area will hasten recovery.
Most cases of cellulitis can be treated without hospitalizations. When the infection is severe; however, or if the patient is a high risk for severe cellulitis, hospitalization may be necessary.
