Pediatric Advisor 2001.1 Cellulitis Admission and Discharge Instructions Description Cellulitis is an infected area of skin showing signs of redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. Sometimes there is swelling of nearby lymph nodes or red streaking from the infected area. If not treated, the infection may spread to deeper tissues or into the bloodstream. Cause The infection of the skin and underlying tissues is caused by bacteria that may enter the skin after an animal bite, insect bite or sting, cut, scratch, splinter, puncture, burn, or other type of wound. Sometimes there is no wound and the bacteria come from the bloodstream.
Cellulitis can occur on any part of the body.
IV antibiotic or other medication. The antibiotic should be completed as prescribed and should not be stopped even if the symptoms are going away. Heat and elevation Apply a warm, moist towel or heating pad to the reddened, affected area three times a day for 20 minutes at a time. Elevate the area as much as possible on pillows above the level of the heart to decrease swelling and pain. Call your child's doctor to make an appointment.