All About Baby and Toddler's Health

Identifying Rashes on Babies and Toddlers:
    Cellulitis

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Cellulitis is described when there is a sudden infection to the tissue under the skin, by an injury which occurs either through a cut, wound or burn that becomes infected.

The skin is a great barrier against the bacteria and other micro-organisms that usually live on the skin, so they are prevented from entering the body and causing an infection. When the skin is punctured or opened in some way (through a cut, wound or burn), this provides an opening for the bacteria and other micro-organisms to enter and cause infection.

Cellulitis can affect any part of the body, depending on which part of the skin the the injury.

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Symptoms of cellulitis

Cellulitis may affect any part of the baby or toddler's body (face, eyes, neck, back, chest, arms, legs, anus). Symptoms of cellulitis are:

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Treatment of cellulitis

The baby or toddler needs to see the doctor, especially if the face or eye are infected as this could become very serious, very quickly.

Cellulitis is normally treated with antibiotics (usually penicillin), so parents with children allergic to penicillin need to inform their doctor so another type of antibiotic can be used.

In addition to this, the baby (or toddler's) pain can be lessened through the following:


Severe cases will need to be hospitalised to be treated and monitored appropriately.

 

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Complications of cellulitis

There are two types of cellulitis that have the potential to be very serious and potentially fatal and must be treated urgently:


If cellulitis occurs in either the face or eye, these need to be carefully monitored (and treated appropriately) to ensure that the infection does not spread to the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain (cerebrospinal fluid), as it may cause meningitis, a very serious complication.

 

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is a very severe form of cellulitis, which is caused by a specific bacteria - streptococci - and it usually affects the face or lower legs.

Erysipelas can more easily occur if a child already has streptococcal sore throat (which is commonly known as "strep throat"). This can enable the skin infection cellulitis to occur and become quite severe and it starts very suddenly.

Symptoms


Treatment

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  Last reviewed: 30 June 2009|| Last updated: 6 October 2009

 

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NOTE: Mega doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other supplements cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of nutrient supplement.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.