Patient education: Cellulitis around the eye – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself or someone else after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is cellulitis? — Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria (figure 1). Two types of cellulitis can affect the eye area:

●"Preseptal" cellulitis – This affects only the eyelid.

●"Orbital" cellulitis – This goes deeper into the fat and muscles around the eyeball. It is less common than preseptal cellulitis, but more serious.

In cellulitis, bacteria get into the skin or tissues around the eye. This can happen if a person has a sinus infection. It can also happen if there is an infection in another part of the face. Sometimes, bacteria get in through the skin after surgery or an injury near the eye.

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. Some people need to get antibiotics through an IV. (An IV is a thin tube that goes into a vein.) Then, they switch to antibiotic pills or liquid after a few days. Other people only need antibiotic pills or liquid. It is important to take all of your antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

With cellulitis, just putting antibiotic ointment on the skin does not work.

How do I care for myself 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 yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Avoid squeezing, scratching, or rubbing the affected eye or area around the eye.

●Keep the infected area clean and dry. You can gently wash the skin around your eye with soap and water or take a shower. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

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

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

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.

●Your vision gets worse, or you start to see double.

●You have new or worsening pain around your eye, especially pain when you move your eyes.

●You have pus draining from your eye.

●You become weak or confused.

●The area becomes more red, swollen, or painful, or the redness or swelling spreads to a larger area.

●The infected area is not better after 2 days of taking antibiotics.

More on this topic

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

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