Patient education: Cellulitis (skin infection) in children – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is cellulitis? — Cellulitis is a skin infection (figure 1). It can happen when germs get into the skin. Normally, different types of germs live on a person's skin. Most of the time, these germs do not cause any problems. But if a person gets a cut or a break in the skin, the germs can get into the skin and cause an infection.

Your child needs antibiotics to treat cellulitis. Usually, this involves taking antibiotic medicine, either as pills or liquid. Just putting antibiotic ointment on the skin does not work. It is important to give your child all of their antibiotics even if they start to feel better.

How do I care for my child at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Prop your child's painful body part on pillows, keeping it above the level of their heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.

●Try to keep your child from squeezing, scratching, or rubbing the affected area.

●Help your child keep the infected area clean and dry. Gently wash the area on your child's skin with soap and water, or let them take a shower. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

●Wash your hands before and after you touch the infected area. Have your child do the same. However, someone cannot catch cellulitis from someone else.

The doctor or nurse might want you to draw a line with a waterproof marker around the affected area. This will help you see if it is getting bigger or smaller.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.

●Your child has a fever and a red rash all over their body with red eyes, diarrhea, or mouth sores.

●Your child is hard to wake up or is not acting like themselves.

●The area becomes more red, swollen, or painful, or the redness or swelling spreads up your child's leg or arm or to a larger area.

●The infected area is not better after 3 days of taking antibiotics.

●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Cellulitis and erysipelas (skin infections) (The Basics)

Patient education: Skin and soft tissue infection (cellulitis) (Beyond the Basics)