Cellulitis and Skin Abscess

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we understand that cellulitis can be worrisome and scary for parents. We approach cellulitis with compassion and follow the clinical pathways of the most prestigious children’s hospitals to ensure your child receives the highest standard of care. This means we use evidence-based practices to provide tailored treatment, all while keeping your child’s comfort and well-being at the forefront of our care. By integrating compassionate care with evidence- based practices, Kids 1st Urgent Care provides comprehensive treatment for cellulitis, offering peace of mind and exceptional medical support for both you and your child.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin, most commonly affecting the face, arms, or legs. While it can sometimes occur in otherwise healthy skin, it typically arises after trauma creates an opening, such as cuts, bites, or injuries that allow bacteria to penetrate and cause an infection.

What Causes Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection that enters through a wound or break in the skin. The most common bacteria responsible for cellulitis include:

• Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

What Are the Symptoms of Cellulitis?

Symptoms of cellulitis can vary, but common signs include:

• Swelling of the affected skin
• Tenderness
• Warmth in the area
• Pain
• Bruising
• Blisters
• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Weakness
• Red streaks extending from the initial infection site
• Local lymph node swelling

How is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of cellulitis at Kids 1st Urgent Care begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination of your child. To accurately identify the infection and determine the specific type of bacteria involved, we may take blood and skin samples for further analysis.

Treatment for Cellulitis

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we approach cellulitis with a compassionate understanding and adhere to the clinical pathways followed by leading pediatric institutions. Our treatment plan is tailored to your child’s needs, based on factors such as:

• Age and overall health
• Extent of the infection
• Tolerance for medications and therapies
• Expectations for the disease’s progression
• Your preferences

Immediate and effective treatment is crucial in managing cellulitis and preventing its spread. Our treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics to target and eliminate the infection.
• Cool, wet dressings applied to the affected area to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Drainage if an abscess (a localized collection of pus) forms
• Elevation of the affected limb to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Rest to help your child’s body recover.

Complications of Cellulitis

Prompt and accurate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications. One of the most common complications of cellulitis is the development of local abscesses, which are pockets of pus that may require drainage. With our compassionate care and adherence to top pediatric guidelines, Kids 1st Urgent Care is committed to minimizing these risks and managing any complications with expert care, following proven guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for your child.

Child-Friendly Environment

Understanding that medical treatments can be stressful for children, all of our providers have been trained by our Child Life Specialists on how to approach your child in a friendly and compassionate manner. We strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible, with a child- centered environment and a caring staff that helps ease any anxiety.

Kids 1st Urgent Care sources its medical research from leading authorities in pediatric medicine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Texas Children’s Hospital.