CELLULITIS AND SKIN ABSCESS (BOIL)

Cellulitis is an acute spreading infection of the skin and subcutaneous (beneath

the skin) tissue affecting any area of the body.
Abscess of the skin is a soft tissue infection where pus has collected and is
surrounded by inflamed tissue. Abscesses may occur as a result of cellulitis.
Symptoms Cellulitis Abscess
Pain Yes Yes.
Redness Yes Sometimes.
Swelling Yes Yes.
Warmth Yes Sometimes.
irm to touch Yes !o.
"o#e Sometimes Sometimes.
e$er Sometimes Sometimes.
Swollen glands Sometimes Sometimes.
HOW YOU CHILD CONTACTED THIS IN!ECTION"
%ellulitis often begins in an area of broken skin like a cut or scratch. &t may
also start in areas of intact skin' especially in people who ha$e diabetes(poor
health' low iron' or an immune system deficiency. %ellulitis is caused by many
different bacteria (bugs).
Recurrent boils may come from infection being passed from one family
member to another and treating e$eryone in the family at the same time may
be necessary.
TEAT#ENT"
Antibiotics will usually be gi$en for ) to *+ days. &mpro$ement should be
noticed in * to , days. or se$ere infections' or if there is no impro$ement
with oral antibiotics' intra$enous antibiotics and(or surgery may be
necessary. -his will usually be followed by a course of oral antibiotics. &t is
important to take the medicine at regular inter$als until it is finished.
Resting and ele$ating the affected area is also beneficial.
Paracetamol can be gi$en as prescribed for pain and fe$er.
&f the area is discharging you will need to keep the area co$ered and the
paediatric community nurse may $isit you at home to change the dressing.
WHAT IS NOT OK
&ncreasing pain' redness' or swelling.
A thin red line heading toward the heart (spreading infection).
A painful .oint.
"n going $omiting (can be antibiotic related).
%ontinuing fe$er.
!o impro$ement after ,/ hours of treatment.
See $ %octo& i' $(y o' t)e $bo*e is )$ppe(i(+"
WHAT IS OK
-o ha$e redness and swelling for a few days after starting antibiotic
treatment.
-o ha$e a hard lump surrounding the area for some time following treatment.
-o ha$e contact with friends and family' howe$er it is important to wash
hands well and keep any oo#ing wounds co$ered.
,E-ENTION
&f your child gets a scrape' wash the wound well with running water
and soap. %o$er with a plaster and keep an eye out for any signs of
infection.
-o keep clean' use a clean rag and a cup of warm water with 0 a
teaspoon of salt. 1se the rag to soak the wound or sore and throw rag
into rubbish. 2ry with clean rag and throw rag into rubbish.
&f your child has ec#ema keep the skin well moisturi#ed and the
ec#ema as under control as possible.
See a 3P early if redness or swelling de$elops around a cut or gra#e or
if the wound is large' deep or from a bite (animal or human).
-ry to protect your child4s skin from in.ury by using appropriate
protecti$e clothing and e5uipment when playing sports or participating
in at risk acti$ities.
&t is necessary for the infected person to ha$e their own towel which
should be washed daily.
-he shower(bath must also be cleaned after use by this person.

Written by 6ronwyn.argher 7 Sally 8ane' %hildren4s 9ealth Ser$ice 9:296 ,++/