CHILD’S HEALTH/SKIN DISORDERS: CELLULITIS

Cellulitis is a skin infection, caused by germs, which spreads between the skin and the deeper layers of soft tissue. It can start from a tiny cut, scratch or splinter, and develop into a nasty infection, which in the worst of cases can cause blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Clinical features

At first, your child may only complain of mild soreness in one area. Look carefully to see if there are any cuts or scratches nearby. The lymph nodes in the area may become enlarged and tender as they attempt to fight local infection. The infected area soon becomes red and swollen, and the skin is hot and hurts if touched. Sometimes pus can be seen in the site of the wound. Your child may also develop a fever, lose his appetite and feel generally unwell.

Treatment

If you suspect that your child has cellulitis, see your doctor immediately. The appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed and should be commenced immediately. If much of the pain. If your child has cellulitis of the leg or arm, it is advisable to immobilise the limb as much as possible, using a sling or a splint. Admittedly, it is not easy to make children comply with the use of slings and splints, but it is worth a try!

Cellulitis usually improves rapidly with antibiotics and immobilisation, but your doctor may want initially to review your child daily until it is clear that the treatment is working. It is helpful to draw a line around the margins of the cellulitis with a felt pen, so that a comparison can be made from day to day to determine whether the infection is spreading or resolving. Do not wash this mark off, so that both you and your doctor can make an objective assessment of the situation.

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if your child has any of the symptoms described above or if you are worried.

Prevention

The only way to reduce the likelihood of cellulitis occurring is by promptly attending to all cuts and abrasions.