Cellulitis Of Eyelids (Periorbital Cellulitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Preventions & More

Cellulitis of eyelid is great concerning issue that has to be cleared or treated at time otherwise it can harm your eyelid skin very badly. Cellulitis of eyelid, also known as periorbital cellulitis, is an eyelid infection of the eyelid or the skin around the eyes. Adults can get cellulitis at any time but children who are under the age of 2 can get this eyelid infection.

Generally, cellulitis happens when the bacteria attack the soft tissue that are present around the eyes which also includes the eyelids. Germs that are present there gets insides the skin via a scratch or cut or they can also get to the area through an infection in the sinuses.

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Sometimes this can also happen due to the stye in the eyelids which is actually a tender bump on the eyelids that used to form when a gland on the eyelid gets infected.

Cellulitis of eyelids, or periorbital cellulitis is also called preseptal cellulitis as it happens outside a part of the skull, commonly known as orbital septum. A layer of the tissue generally keeps the infection from spreading to the eyes and so it doesn’t affect your eye vision.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cellulitis Of Eyelids?

Every health or beauty related issue have some signs and symptoms. Likewise, periorbital cellulitis also shows some signs and symptoms before it starts affecting the eyelid skin. Following are some of them:

• Difficulty while opening the eyes
• Tenderness of your eyelids
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Eyelids that feel hard and warm
• Fever

These are some of the symptoms that signify that you have cellulitis of eyelid or periorbital cellulitis. However, if you notice any of these symptoms then try to get rid of these issues as soon as possible to prevent cellulitis of eyelid issue.

What Causes Cellulitis Of Eyelids?

Periorbital cellulitis or cellulitis of eyelid is much more possible to take place when the infection that causes bacteria get in contact into the eyelid by a bug bite or any scratch around the eye. However, some other causes are:

• A minor injury to the eye
• Conjunctivitis, stye or eyelid chalazion
• Other infections like upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis that travels to the eyes

What Increases Risk For Cellulitis Of Eyelids?

Below are some of the conditions that actually increases the risk for cellulitis of eyelids or periorbital cellulitis:

• Animal or insect bite around the eyes
• Recent upper respiratory infection
• Trauma and infection to the eyelid
• Infected eyelid cyst

How To Diagnose Cellulitis Of Eyelids?

If your doctor thinks that you might have periorbital cellulitis then they will start by looking or signs of the stye or an injury. The doctor might also want to see how well the eye move and respond to the light.

Doctors may take a sample of blood or any other drainage from the eye to test and find out what type of bacteria is causing the eyelid issue. Also, doctor may get a closer look with Computerized Tomography (CT) scan or X-rays.

Can Cellulitis Go Away On It’s Own?

Well, if the cellulitis is mild then it can go away on its own or can be treated with some antibiotics. It becomes very dangerous when the infection continues to spread. If you have some symptoms of nausea, chills, vomiting or fever, also, if the swelling and redness have spread then it is quite important to call your doctor right there.

 

When There Is A Need To Take Immediate Care?

You should an immediate care of you notice these following issues:

• Fever
• Difficult in moving eye balls
• Lose eye vision in the infected eye
• Have vision issue like double vision
• Have headache or feel like vomiting
• Can’t close your eyes because of swelling

How To Treat Cellulitis Of Eyelids?

Medical Treatment To Cure Cellulitis OF Eyelids

Well, treating cellulitis of eyelids depends on how severe the eyelid infection is. However, if you have signs and symptoms of periorbital cellulitis but have no fever at all then you can make an appointment with your regular doctor as long as they are able to see you within a single day.

But, in case, if you have a fever along with other symptoms of periorbital cellulitis then it is best to visit an emergency section in the eye care centers.

The doctor present there will start by checking the cellulitis of eyelids symptoms. Generally, they will look for blotchy or red areas of the eyelid skin that feels warm to the touch.

If they will find that the infection is in its early stage then you just need a round of oral antibiotics. But, make sure that you take the complete course as prescribed by the doctors even if you stop noticing the symptoms after two or three days.

However, if the doctor notices that the infection is more severe then there is a need to get intravenous antibiotics. Also, your doctor may recommend this if you have a condition that affects your immune system. You may also need to stay in the hospital after analyzing your infection severity to make sure that the infection does not enter your bloodstream and affect your eyelid skin a lot.

If your doctor observes that your recovery is not getting well even after taking antibiotics for regular two to three days then he/she may change your antibiotics or can also admit you for IV treatment.

Home Treatments To Cure Cellulitis Of Eyelids

Periorbital cellulitis requires treatment including antibiotics but if you are allergic to them then you can also try to take home treatment help. Following are the best and the effective home treatment to get rid of periorbital cellulitis:

• Keep The Eye Area Clean: Never avoid the instructions given by the doctor regarding the process of cleaning of the eyes.
• Covering The Wound: Make sure that you properly cover the affected skin. It will heal and prevent you from irritation. Make sure that you change the bandage regularly if it is prescribed by the doctor.
• Apply Cold Compress: If the eyelid skin is painful and hot then you can apply a clean washcloth that should be soaked in cool water. You need to avoid chemicals icepacks. These treatments can further irritate damaged skin.

Is There Any Complications Related To Periorbital Cellulitis?

In some uncommon cases, cellulitis of eyelids progresses into orbital cellulitis which is a serious eyelid condition that used to involve the deeper tissues around the eyeball.

Unlike periorbital cellulitis, orbital cellulitis is possibly sight and life-threatening condition that needs immediate care.

Immediately call your doctor if you ever notice any of the below issues after treating periorbital cellulitis:

• Fever developing along with other symptoms
• Eye vision changes
• The eye became swollen and red
• Eye that appears to stick or bulge out
• Difficulty or pain with eye movement

If it is left untreated then orbital cellulitis causes permanent eye vision issue, neurological issues in children or meningitis. However, if you follow through with the prescribed treatment and keep the follow-up appointments then it is well and good.

 

How To Prevent Cellulitis Of Eyelids?

Periorbital cellulitis in adults can ben prevented if you follow the below-mentioned tips. Here, you can try to follow the tips to prevent cellulitis of eyelids with ease:

• Try to keep your skin moist, try using ointments and lotions designed to prevent cracking
• If you are a diabetic patient then check your skin every day for sores.
• Never scratch dry eyelids or itchy eyelids
• Try to wear perfect eye protective glasses
• Clean the skin area gently with soap and water
• Always look for pain, redness or other signs of infection

Wrap Up

Cellulitis of eyelids is a contagious condition that should be treated at time. However, if it not treated at time then it can become life-threatening blood infection.

I think it is better for you to opt for the treatments I have mentioned in the above sections which include medical as well as home treatments.

If you are having this issue then do not hesitate to try all these periorbital cellulitis treatments or visit your doctor as soon as possible. So, all the very best to you.