Periorbital Cellulitis: an introduction and description

Periorbital Cellulitis can be defined as an inflammation and infection of the eyelid and the skin surrounding the eye. Periorbital Cellulitis may affect the eye socket with the skin closest to it. It is not easy to describe this Cellulitis. Inside every eyelid there is a septum. This septum divides the eyelid into two areas outer and inner areas. This orbital septum helps to prevent the infection to spread in the eye socket. This type of Cellulitis is more common in children than in adults. These conditions generally originate with swelling or inflammation of one eye. Periorbital Cellulitis spreads rapidly and can cause serious problems that affect the eye or the whole body.

Causes and symptoms

As it is stated, the main reason of the Periorbital Cellulitis is infection. This infection is generally caused by infection of the sinuses near the nose or pneumonia. Insect bites or sting can cause the Periorbital Cellulitis. Injuries that break the skin can also cause these Cellulitis infections. The people who have a history of dental infection are also prone to the Periorbital Cellulitis. Acute ear infections, inflammation of the epiglottis (cartilage pipe that covers the wind pipe) and inflammation of the membranes can cause the Periorbital Cellulitis. The main symptoms of the Periorbital Cellulitis include bulging or displacement of the eyeball, eye pain and fever. The swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye ball and eyelid or systemic disorders like anemia or kidney disease is also a symptom. In the medical terms this condition is called as chemosis. Sometimes the ability to see clearly is diminished.

Available treatment

The person with Periorbital Cellulitis should be hospitalized without delay. There are some antibiotics available which can be used to stop the spread of infection and prevent damage to the optic nerve. It is very important to prevent the damage on the optical nerve because it transmits the visual images to the brain. In the Periorbital Cellulitis one or both eyes may be affected, and eye sockets or sinus cavities may have to be drained. The surgery may be required to treat the Periorbital Cellulitis. These surgeries should be performed by an ophthalmologist.

Recommended Reading:

1. Preseptal cellulitis - Patients with preseptal cellulitis presents with an acutely painful, swollen eyelid. It is because of the pronounced edema, the patient...
2. Skin Cellulitis: a brief introduction - Skin Cellulitis is bacterial infection of the skin, which can potentially serious. The Cellulitis is a condition in which the...
3. Eyelid cellulitis - The eyelids have many works, comprising of protecting and lubricating the eye, producing oil secretions for the eye, and helping...
4. Cellulitis in children - A brief idea about cellulitis Cellulitis is a bacterial infection which affects the skin and the tissues underlying it. It...
5. Cellulitis and abscess - Cellulitis is a skin infection that sometimes escorts damage to the skin, poor circulation, or diabetes. Streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria...