Periorbital cellulitis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Periorbital cellulitis
CT scan showing periorbital cellulitis
Synonyms	Preseptal cellulitis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Swelling, redness, pain around the eye
Complications	Orbital cellulitis, vision loss
Onset	Rapid
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial infection
Risks	Sinusitis, trauma, insect bite
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Orbital cellulitis, allergic reaction
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antibiotics
Medication	Amoxicillin, Clindamycin
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in children
Deaths	N/A

Preseptal cellulitis

Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the skin and tissues surrounding the eye. This condition is also known as preseptal cellulitis. It is a common and potentially serious infection that can affect individuals of all ages, but is most common in children.

Causes

Periorbital cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The most common bacteria that cause this condition are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can enter the skin and tissues around the eye through a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite. In some cases, the infection can spread from a nearby site, such as the sinuses.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of periorbital cellulitis include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the eye. Other symptoms can include fever, pain, and a general feeling of being unwell. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the eye itself, causing orbital cellulitis, which is a more serious condition that can lead to vision loss.

Diagnosis

Periorbital cellulitis is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, a blood test or imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for periorbital cellulitis usually involves antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be needed. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications.

Prevention

Prevention of periorbital cellulitis involves good hygiene practices to prevent skin infections, such as washing hands regularly and treating cuts and scratches promptly. Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae can also help prevent these infections.

See also

• Cellulitis
• Orbital cellulitis
• Eye infections