Symptoms & Treatment Of Cellulitis In Babies

• Tweet
• Pin It

Cellulitis can be caused due to a host of bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus and haemophilus which enters the deep layers of the skin through cuts on the surface of the skin. Cellulitis is more common in babies and elderly people and those with compromised immune system.

The condition can be dangerous in babies, especially when it manifests around the eyes and face which can lead to optic nerve damage and meningitis.

Who Are At Risk?

Babies who are at risk of cellulitis include those who are on corticosteroids and medications for suppressing immunity. Wounds and cuts on the skin of babies if not properly tended to can also lead to cellulitis.

Symptoms of Cellulitis in Babies

The symptoms of cellulitis include swelling on the affected area followed by redness, pain, tenderness of the skin etc. The skin may also have small blister like appearances along with the swelling which is warm to touch. The rash can spread fast and can lead to inflammation of lymph node as well. The infection will be accompanied by fever and chills too when it becomes severe.

Dangers of Cellulitis in Babies

Cellulitis in babies can be very dangerous and must be treated with antibiotics immediately as it can lead to life threatening situations. This is especially important when the cellulitis appears on the face. Facial cellulitis can lead to meningitis of the brain which can be fatal. The bacteria can affect the cells, muscles of the body and bones if left untreated and can lead to gas gangrenes and amputations as a possible last resort to save the baby’s life.

Treatment of Cellulitis in Babies

Photo Credit: Diseasesinchildren.com

When the symptoms of cellulitis are diagnosed early enough, they can be treated with antibiotics so that the infection can be cleared fast without causing dangerous conditions for the baby. Normally a course of 7-10 days of antibiotics is administered for removing the infection. In the case of severe cellulitis, the baby will be required to be hospitalised and treatment will require antibiotics to be administered intravenously to prevent complications.

Natural Treatment Methods for Cellulitis in Babies

Though cellulitis is babies cannot be taken lightly and natural treatment methods alone administered, they can still be used in conjunction with antibiotics for soothing the skin of the baby and preventing possible recurrence. This however must be done only after consulting with the physician who is treating the baby.

Honey

Application of honey on the open wound will help the wound to help faster and provide a protective barrier around the wound to prevent other bacterial infection.

Calendula

Calendula powder can be applied on the wound of the baby to accelerate the healing process. However, make sure that the physician is aware of this.

Useful Tips

Babies have low immunity and hence much care has to be taken while bringing them up. Always ensure that they are clean, especially if they have nicks and cuts on their body. Make sure that the cuts remain well cleaned and dressed. Protect them from mosquito and insect bites which too can lead to bacterial infections and cellulitis. Take utmost care to prevent bacterial infections as cellulitis in babies can be fatal.