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DownloadCellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. The most common bacteria to cause cellulitis are called Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pyogenes.
Cellulitis can affect the skin on most parts of the body. Bacteria usually enter the body through an area of broken skin, for example from:
Sometimes the break in the skin is too small to notice.
You can’t catch cellulitis from another person as it affects the deeper layers of the skin.
Cellulitis usually starts with a patch of red, painful, swollen and hot skin, sometimes with blisters. Your child may develop swollen glands near to the infection.
Sometimes your child will develop a fever and feel unwell with the infection.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for cellulitis. They work by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
Your doctor or nurse will assess your child’s cellulitis and will decide between:
Your doctor or nurse will explain which type of treatment they recommend for your child, and why.
You will usually see an improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotics. If the infection does not improve or worsens after this time, you should seek further medical advice.
Your child should always complete the course of antibiotics even if the cellulitis looks better.
Simple pain medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to help relieve pain and discomfort. Always follow the instructions on the medicine bottle.
If your child’s cellulitis is affecting one of their limbs, it can be helpful to keep it elevated.
Your doctor or nurse may draw around the area of redness or ask you to take daily photographs. This allows you to compare the cellulitis before and after starting antibiotics. Please do not wash the area until it is clear the cellulitis is improving.
There is a risk that the local infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as blood, muscles and bones, or develop into a ball of pus (an abscess).
The most serious complication occurs when the bacteria enter and multiply in the bloodstream. This is called sepsis and requires urgent treatment in hospital.
Practice Plus, Brighton walk-in centre and GP service:
For out of hours GP service or advice ring:
Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital:
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: April 2022
Review Date: February 2023