Advice following Emergency Department attendance
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Pre-Septal Cellulitis (139kB pdf)
Introduction
Pre-septal cellulitis is an infection of the eyelid or skin around the eye.
It is almost always one sided and sometimes follows a cut or graze to the skin. It can also occur following another infection, such as a cough or cold, where the infection spreads to the eye or following sinusitis.
Symptoms
· Swollen eyelid
· Eye area can be red, tender, and warm to touch
· Fever may be present
· Your child may be unable to open the eye fully
Treatment
Pre-septal cellulitis usually responds well to oral (by mouth) antibiotics.
Treatment with intravenous antibiotics (given into a vein) is usually only needed for more severe cases or those that have not responded to antibiotics given by mouth (they have not improved or the symptoms are worsening despite the medication).
Prevention
It is not always possible to prevent this infection.
However, it is important to have your child fully vaccinated, as two of the bacteria known to cause this infection are covered within your child’s current vaccination schedule.
Keep any minor injuries surrounding the eye clean and dry.
Remember good hand hygiene before and after cleaning around the eye.
Complications
Most children recover without any complications.
However, pre-septal (around the eye) cellulitis can rarely progress to orbital (in the eye) cellulitis. This is where the infection involves the deeper tissues around the eye and the eyeball itself. This is a serious infection, which can cause lasting problems and needs immediate care.
When to worry about pre-septal cellulitis:
| RED | If your child has: Pain when moving the eye Change or decrease in vision of the eyeIf the eye appears to stick out or bulge A fever (temperature) that is getting worseFast, irregular or difficulty breathing Changes in behaviour, such as confusion or disorientation | Ring 999 immediately for help or return to the Emergency department (A&E) |
| AMBER | If your child’s symptoms have not improved after 48 hours of oral antibiotics | Immediately contact your GP or call NHS 111 and make an appointment for your child to be seen that day face to face. |
| GREEN | If your child’s symptoms are improving with oral antibiotics. | If you are still worried, please see your local pharmacist or call NHS 111 (telephone 111) |
This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.
This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Alder Hey
Eaton Road
Liverpool
L12 2AP
PIAG 534