Facial Cellulitis Symptoms

Facial cellulitis is a potentially serious condition that affects the skin on a person's face. It occurs when particular types of bacteria enter the skin through a cracked or damaged area; three common bacteria that have been linked to facial cellulitis include streptococcus, staphylococcus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus. It is important to treat facial cellulitis immediately to prevent the condition from spreading and worsening. Untreated facial cellulitis can spread to other body tissues, including the blood and lymph nodes.

Transmission

You can get facial cellulitis in numerous ways. Bug bites can transmit the bacteria that can cause facial cellulitis. If your skin is damaged, you can also get the condition. People who have deep facial cuts, dermatitis and eczema are more likely to develop facial cellulitis.

Symptoms

The most obvious sign of facial cellulitis is swelling and redness on the face, particularly around the cheeks. You may also feel a burning and itching sensation at the site of the infection. When you have facial cellulitis, your tongue may feel swollen and sensitive to touch. People with facial cellulitis usually have a fever as well and notice a warm sensation over the affected parts of their skin.

Considerations

Other systems of your body can be affected if you have facial cellulitis. You may have flulike symptoms, including the chills, muscle aches, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors increase the possibility of an individual developing facial celllulitis: People who have recently had an ear infection, tooth infection, upper respiratory infection or a condition of the lymphatic system are more likely to develop facial cellulitis.

Treatment

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics as a way to treat facial cellulitis. The course of antibiotics will likely last between seven and 14 days. A common antibiotic prescribed for facial cellulitis is Keflex. If you develop a high fever with the condition, hospitalization may be required to give IV fluids.