Cellulitis (sel-yuh-LY-tus) is a deep bacterial infection of the skin and the area just under it. It can happen anywhere on the body. Kids with cellulitis need treatment with antibiotics to kill the harmful germs. It can take a week or more to get completely better. Follow these instructions to care for your child at home.

• Be sure your child takes all of the antibiotic as prescribed. Your child should start to feel better in 2 days, but must keep taking the medicine to kill the harmful germs.
• If your child has a fever and is uncomfortable, you may give: 
  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)
    OR
  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give ibuprofen to infants younger than 6 months old.
• Don't give aspirin to your child. It could lead to serious medical problems.
• If the cellulitis is on an arm or a leg, help your child prop it up on pillows above heart level to reduce pain and swelling.
• Check the infected area daily for any signs that the cellulitis is getting worse, such as:
  • a growing area of redness
  • red streaks on the skin near the cellulitis
  • increased swelling
  • fluid or pus oozing from the infected area
• Make a follow-up appointment with your health care provider as directed to make sure the infection is getting better.
• Your child can go back to usual activities after a few days on the antibiotic, if the fever is gone and the infection is improving.

Your child:

• doesn't improve in 1–2 days after starting the antibiotic
• has a fever or starts to get chills
• has trouble taking the antibiotic as prescribed

• Your child is taking the antibiotic but:
  • Red streaks are spreading from the infection.
  • The infected area is getting bigger.
  • Your child seems sicker.
• The skin around the infection begins to look tight or pale due to severe swelling.
• Your child complains of increasing pain.

What causes cellulitis? Many different types of bacteria can cause cellulitis. Cellulitis usually starts when bacteria get into a cut or scratch in the skin. Germs also can enter the skin at an insect bite, near a surgical incision, or at a piercing. The infection begins in the outer skin layers and spreads deeper, causing pain, swelling/puffiness, warmth, and redness.

Can cellulitis spread to other people? Cellulitis usually does not spread to other people. If fluid or pus oozes from an infection, cover the infected area with gauze or a bandage. Always wash your hands after touching the area or changing the bandage.

Can cellulitis be prevented? Keeping cuts and scrapes clean can help prevent cellulitis. Wash the injured area well with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with gauze or a bandage. Try not to touch or scratch cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.