About Cellulitis

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.