Cellulitis is a contamination of the skin and that can spread to any part of the body. Cellulitis start in an area where there is broken skin, like a gash, a scrape or a scuff. This allows bacteria to spread and will cause the swelling. This can be very painful and the inflamed area can get bigger and bigger. Cellulitis causes the swelling and warming of the infected area. This will cause major discomfort.
There is a particular type of cellulitis that can only happen to children and this is called periorbital cellulitis. This infection will need very close monitoring or else it may turn worse. Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the lids of the eyes and the tissues around it. This can start by just having a small bite around the eye or a scratch near the eye. This infection is very serious and it can be very harmful to children. Periorbital cellulitis will require immediate visit to the hospital in order to get the proper attention and treatment. The quicker the child infected with periorbital cellulitis gets to the hospital, the faster the infection can be cured or treated.

Certain types of bacteria can cause periorbital cellulitis. The three most common bacteria involved in this infection are: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Haemophilus influenza. These three are responsible for the infection of the area near the eye. The bacteria can spread and get into the eye because of open wounds near the eye which will later lead to infection.
The symptoms of periorbital cellulitis can range from the swelling of the eyelid to fever and discomfort. Some infected patients also feel the burning of the skin and a lot of pain near the infected area. Our eyes our very delicate and the slightest of pain in the area can be very unbearable. An infected child can also experience blurred vision and a high fever because of the infection.
Periorbital cellulitis is a very serious condition but can be treated easily if brought to the hospital immediately. Some patients just need antibiotics in order to get rid of the infection while other, more severe cases may need to undergo surgery and hospitalization.

Like any other infection or disease, the faster you get treated for this, the quicker it will heal. Be sure to immediately consult your family doctor if you see symptoms of periorbital cellulitis.