Bacterial cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues which can affect any area of the body. Not to be confused with cellulite the cottage cheese like, lumpy fat frequently found on the hips, thighs, and buttocks, primarily of women cellulitis begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch, allowing bacteria to invade and spread, causing inflammation, which includes pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Disorders that create breaks in the skin and permit bacteria to enter, such as eczema and severe acne, will put a child at risk for cellulitis. Chickenpox and scratched insect bites are also common causes. Cellulitis may also start in areas of intact skin, especially in people who have diabetes or who are taking medicines that suppress the immune system.

More about the bacterial cellulitis

Cellulitis can be caused by many different types of bacteria, but the most common are group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. In special cases, other bacteria can lead to cellulitis. Cellulitis after a cat or dog bite may be caused by Pasteurella multocida bacteria. Cellulitis due to Pseudomonas infection take place after nail-puncture wounds through sneakers. Other types of bacteria from fish and farm animals can also cause cellulitis. One specific kind of cellulitis that can take place in children and requires close monitoring is per orbital cellulitis, an infection of the eyelid and tissues surrounding the eye. It can be the cause of minor trauma to the area around the eye, or it may be the extension of another site of infection, such as sinusitis. This is an emergency that needs hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

Conclusion

One can avert cellulitis by protecting your child's skin from cuts, bruises, and scrapes. This may not be simple, especially if you have an active child who loves to explore or play sports. Protective equipment worn to avert other injuries during active play can also protect your child's skin such as elbow and knee pads while skating, a bike helmet during bike riding, and shin guards during soccer, long pants and long-sleeved shirts while hiking in the woods, sandals on the beach, and seatbelts while riding in a motor vehicle.

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