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What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis (sounds like: sel-yuh-LY-tis) is a skin infection caused by bacteria.
The infection goes deeper than just the surface of the skin.
It can happen anywhere on the body but is most common on the face, arms, and legs.
What does it look like? 
A red area of skin that spreads quickly.
The red area is painful and tender to touch.
The skin may feel warm and slightly swollen.
Fever happens sometimes.
What causes cellulitis?
Cellulitis starts when bacteria get into the body through a break in the skin. Common causes include:
Cuts, scrapes, scratches, or puncture wounds
Animal bites
Insect bites or stings
It might be hard to tell the difference between an allergic reaction from an insect sting or bite and cellulitis. An allergic reaction is usually itchy, and cellulitis is usually painful.
Itchy rashes that get scratched open (like eczema, chickenpox, or poison ivy)
A sinus infection can lead to cellulitis around the eye
A tooth infection can lead to cellulitis of the cheek
The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis are called Staph and Strep. These bacteria normally live on the skin without causing problems, but they can cause infection when they get through a break in the skin.
Is it contagious?
There is usually no drainage from the skin, so the risk of spreading is very low.
However, the bacteria that cause it can spread through open, draining wounds.
How is it treated?
Your child’s healthcare provider will usually prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection.
Most children can take the antibiotic by mouth at home.
Give the medicine exactly as directed - do not skip doses or stop the treatment early.
More serious cases may need antibiotic medicine given through an IV (a tube in a vein), which may require a hospital stay.
You might be asked to use a marker to outline the infected area on your child’s skin. This helps us know if the treatment is working.
How to manage pain and fever at home?
For pain
Give acetaminophen every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed.
Apply cool compresses.
For fever that is making your child uncomfortable, you may also give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Keep your child well hydrated — offer plenty of fluids.
What to expect during treatment?
After 1 day on the antibiotic: The redness should stop spreading. Symptoms should stop getting worse.
After 3 days: Fever should be gone. Redness and pain should be starting to get better. Overall, your child should start feeling better.
After treatment is done: The skin should no longer be red or tender. Your child should feel back to normal.
Most cases clear up in 7 to 10 days with proper treatment.
When can my child go back to school?
After the fever is gone.
If there was any drainage, it should be able to remain covered and not leak.
When your child feels well enough to take part in normal activities.
Call your CPCMG Healthcare provider if:
The redness keeps spreading after 2-3 full days on the antibiotic.
Pain gets worse after 2-3 full days on the antibiotic.
Fever persists or develops after 2-3 full days on the antibiotic.
Your child seems to be getting worse.
You think your child needs to be seen.
Go to the Emergency Room If:
The infection is spreading quickly and your child has a high fever
Your child seems very sick, confused, or is not acting like themselves
The redness is near the eye
📚 References
This content was adapted from HealthyChildren.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website, Rady Children’s Health Library, KidsHealth. Images from DermNet.
Reviewed by AR DO, second review JW MD, Patient Education Committee.