How To Spot Periorbital Cellulitis

Tender And Tough Skin Around The Eye

Periorbital cellulitis is typically easy for a medical professional to identify without any specialized tests. However, computerized tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging may be performed to delineate both where the infection came from and what structures are involved. This ensures periorbital cellulitis has not spread to the brain, sinus cavities, or the eye itself. In addition to the reddened sclera, swelling around the eye, and possible drainage, tender and tough skin around the eye is a common sign of periorbital cellulitis.

Also referred to as induration of the skin, the skin in the localized area of infection, in this circumstance the eyelids, becomes hardened and thickened from the infection. While the skin hardens and becomes firm, it is not as hard as bone. Simply put, it has thickened texture and is harder than the tissue immediately adjacent to it.

Cut Or Scratch Near The Eye

A medical professional, including an emergency room doctor or a primary physician, even an ophthalmologist, is necessary to thoroughly evaluate periorbital cellulitis. In addition to evaluating current symptoms consistent with this infection, the physician or nurse practitioner is assessing how the infection began. A primary method for the infection of periorbital cellulitis to occur is via a cut or scratch near the eye. The cut or scratch can be very small, as size is irrelevant. Bacterial get under the skin through this opening and cause the infection. General wound care for a cut near the eye, meaning keeping it clean and dry, will go a long way towards infection prevention.