Always bear in mind that cellulitis is a bacterial infection that is usually caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. Facial cellulitis is considered dangerous since the bacteria have the tendency to spread to the eyes, resulting to loss of vision or to the brain, which causes meningitis.
Facial cellulitis is analyzed by the presence of swelling and redness on the face of the individual that usually involves the skin on or surrounding the eyes, cheeks or the nose. Take note that facial cellulitis requires timely medical care with antibiotics as soon as the symptoms are noted in order to prevent the bacteria from spreading. Once you suspect that an individual shows the initial symptoms of facial cellulitis, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. If you want to know more about this condition, click here.
Skin symptoms
Facial cellulitis can infect the deep layers of skin tissue which can make the skin red and swollen. The skin is warm while the pores appear dilated and bigger than usual, thus providing the skin with an orange-peel appearance.
The inflamed areas of the skin can be painful to the touch. The inflamed skin on the face can also become itchy. Oftentimes, the tongue feels swollen, tender and warm. The lymph nodes in the neck can become tender to the touch. In case the infection starts to spread, red-colored streaks can extend from the site of infection. In some cases, large-sized blisters called bullae can appear on the reddened areas.
Eye symptoms
Once cellulitis occurs around the eyes, the eyelids can swell shut and shiny purple or red in color. Orbital cellulitis which affects the area surrounding the eye is considered as a medical emergency that must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Always bear in mind that cellulitis that develops around the eye can lead to diminished vision and pain upon moving the eyes. Take note that the eye of the individual can appear to bulge out. Prompt treatment is required to prevent permanent loss of vision due to the damage on the optic nerve.
System symptoms
Lethargy, fever, chills, irritability, confusion, headache, discomfort and body aches are the common symptoms of facial cellulitis. In some cases, nausea and vomiting can also occur. Fever can also trigger an increase in the pulse rate which is called as tachycardia. In case facial cellulitis continues to spread, the blood pressure can drop drastically to low levels and shock is likely to occur.
Once the symptoms of facial cellulitis are present, the individual should not hesitate to seek medical care as soon as possible. If the condition is left untreated, the condition will surely worsen and lead to the manifestation of systemic symptoms. Timely treatment of the condition will help reduce the risk for developing complications.