Peri-Orbital Cellulitis

Question 1

What is Peri-Orbital Cellulitis?

Answer 1

Infection of the soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum, including the eyelids, skin and subcutaneous tissues of the face but not the contents of the orbit.

Question 2

Differentials of Peri-Orbital Cellulitis (2).

Answer 2

1. Orbital Cellulitis.

2. Allergic Reactions.

Question 3

Epidemiology of Peri-Orbital Cellulitis (3).

Answer 3

1. 80% under 10.
2. Median age - 21 months.
3. Commoner in Winter - increased prevalence of RTIs.

Question 4

Aetiology of Peri-Orbital Cellulitis (2).

Answer 4

1. Superficial Tissue Injury e.g. Chalazion, Insect-Bite.

2. Commonest Causative Organisms - S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococci, anaerobic bacteria.

Question 5

Management of Peri-Orbital Cellulitis.

Answer 5

Systemic antibiotics (oral/IV) e.g. Co-Amoxiclav.

Question 6

Prognosis of Peri-Orbital Cellulitis.

Answer 6

Vulnerable patients e.g. kids, older, severe patients with peri-orbital cellulitis should be admitted for observation (to prevent progress to orbital cellulitis).