Facts on Facial Cellulitis

1. Facial Cellulitis Attacks Your Skin

Cuts, scrapes, bruises or skin conditions like eczema often allow bacteria to enter the soft tissue of the skin. Certain bacteria like streptococcus and staphylococcus enter the skin and begin multiplying. This results in a red, swollen area that hurts and may be warm to the touch. Sometimes these symptoms occur with a fever, chills, irritability and a swollen tongue. Left untreated, facial cellulitis spreads to the lymphatic system or other areas of the body. A red streak along the skin indicates the condition has spread to the lymphatic system.

2. Preys on the Youngest and Oldest

The most common age range to develop facial cellulitis is between 3 and 24 months of age and then 50 years and older. From this group, 1 to 3 people out of 100 get facial cellulitis. The risk of developing the condition increases when certain medical conditions like diabetes are present. While these don't cause facial cellulitis, infections in the teeth, the middle ear or upper respiratory often precede the infection.

3. Protect Children With Hib

Hib vaccinates children against Haemophilus influenzae type B, which causes the majority of facial cellulitis in infants and can also develop into meningitis. During the first 2 months of age, the mother's antibodies that passed to the child during pregnancy continue to protect the baby. Babies should receive the vaccination at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of age. While severe reactions may occur, typical side effects include swelling and tenderness at the site of injection. Since the introduction of Hib, cases of facial cellulitis and meningitis have drastically decreased.

4. Keep Skin Clean and Seek Treatment

No one wants red, splotchy skin, especially on the face. Getting facial cellulitis treatment speeds up recovery time so your skin glows with freshness. Following a daily skin care regimen also kills harmful bacteria before it attacks your skin. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and focuses on healing the skin and killing the bacteria. Apply a medicated topical cream to minor cases. More advanced cases require oral antibiotics. If the infection spreads to the lymphatic system, a hospital stay and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

5. Prevent Recurrences

If you think one dose of antibiotics wipes out the bacteria, think again. In the majority of cases, a recurrence of the condition appears. Some people require preventive doses of antibiotics every 2 weeks. Using an anti-fungal cream helps prevent recurrences for some individuals. Cleaning cuts, bruises and other openings in the skin works to keep harmful bacteria away from the entry point. An antibiotic cream like Neosporin seals the skin and halts bacteria from entering the wound. Tests show that adding a bandage to an area treated with antibiotic cream heals the wound 4 days sooner than using just a bandage.