Cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of skin. A break in the skin, such as a cut or scratch, can let bacteria under the skin. If the bacteria get to deep layers of the skin, it can cause a serious infection. If not treated, cellulitis can get into the bloodstream and lymph nodes. The infection can then spread throughout the body.
In children, cellulitis occurs most often on the legs and feet. It's more common in children with a weak immune system. Cellulitis causes the affected skin to become red, swollen, warm, and sore. The reddened areas have a visible border. Your child may have a fever, chills, and pain. A young child may cry, be fussy, and be hard to soothe.
Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. Symptoms should get better 1 to 2 days after treatment is started. In some cases, symptoms can come back.
Home care
Your child will be given an antibiotic to treat the infection. Make sure to give all the medicine for the full number of days until it's gone. Keep giving the medicine even if your child has no symptoms. You may also be advised to use medicine to reduce fever and swelling. Follow the doctor’s directions for giving these medicines to your child.
General care
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Have your child rest as much as possible until the infection starts to get better.
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If possible, have your child sit or lie down with the affected area raised above the level of their heart. This can help reduce swelling.
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If the skin is broken, follow the doctor’s directions on how to care for an open wound and change any dressings.
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Keep your child’s fingernails short to reduce scratching.
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Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water before and after caring for your child. This is to prevent spreading the infection.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s doctor as advised.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's doctor right away if your child has:
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A fever (see Fever and children below).
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Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment.
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Swollen lymph nodes on the neck or under the arm.
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Swelling around the eyes or behind the ears.
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Excessive drooling, neck swelling, or muffled voice.
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Redness or swelling that gets worse.
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Pain that gets worse.
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Foul-smelling fluid coming from the affected area.
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Blackened skin.
Fever and children
Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:
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Rectal. For children younger than 3 years, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.
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Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.
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Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.
Use a rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel okay using a rectal thermometer, ask your child's doctor what type to use instead. When you talk with any health care providers about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.
Below is when to contact the doctor if your child has a fever. Your child’s doctor may give you different numbers. Follow their instructions.
When to contact a doctor about your child’s fever
For a baby under 3 months old:
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First, ask your child’s doctor how you should take the temperature.
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Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
For a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
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Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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Ear (only for use over age 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
In these cases:
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Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child of any age
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Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
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