The wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury. Examples are insect bites, chickenpox, scabies, or acne. If a child picks at these rashes, the skin can become broken and then infected. The hands are at increased risk for infection from puncture wounds. The penetrating claws or teeth of cats pose a major risk for infection.
Cellulitis can sometimes start without any recent wound infection.
This type of cellulitis is spread from the bloodstream and can be serious it is not treated. By that time, your child should stop having any fever caused by the infection. The area of the wound should also be much less tender within 48 hours. Within one week after your child starts taking antibiotics, all signs of active infection should be completely gone. This medicine will kill the germs that are causing the wound infection.