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MEDICAID NOTICE: Lurie Children’s continues to serve all patients enrolled in Medicaid. As a safety-net hospital, we will continue providing high-quality care to every child who needs us.

AVISO SOBRE MEDICAID: Lurie Children’s continúa atendiendo a todos los pacientes inscritos en Medicaid. Como hospital perteneciente a la red de protección social, continuaremos brindando atención de alta calidad a cada niño que nos necesite.

Lurie Children’s Home Specialties & Conditions Cellulitis
Condition

Cellulitis in Kids

Specialty

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues.


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What Are the Types and Causes of Cellulitis that Affects the Eye?

  • Preseptal Cellulitis - the infection affects the eyelid. Causes can include bug bite, trauma, chalazion or hordeolum/stye.
  • Postseptal/Orbital Cellulitis - the infection affects the eyelid as well as tissues further back around the eye. The most common cause is a sinus infection. 

What Are the Symptoms of Cellulitis?

  • Preseptal cellulitis
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Drainage
  • Postseptal/Orbital cellulitis
  • Symptoms associated with preseptal cellulitis
  • Pain with eye movement
  • Decreased vision

How Is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

Cellulitis is typically diagnosed following a complete history and eye examination. If there is concern for postseptal/orbital cellulitis, then a CT scan may be needed.

What Is the Treatment for Cellulitis?

  • Preseptal Cellulitis - Oral antibiotics.
  • Postseptal/Orbital Cellulitis - Intravenous antibiotics. Surgery is sometimes needed if an abscess has formed.