Periorbital cellulitis (also called preseptal cellulitis) is an infection of the eyelids or skin and soft tissue around the eye.
It's generally easily treated with oral antibiotics. Or, in more severe cases, IV (intravenous) antibiotics. If not treated, it may infect the deeper tissues around the eye. This can cause more serious illness and lifelong (permanent) changes in vision.
Home care
Take your antibiotics exactly as directed. Take all the medicine until it's gone.
Use pain medicine as prescribed. If no medicine was prescribed, you may use over-the-counter medicine as advised. This will help with pain and fever. If you have liver disease or ever had a stomach ulcer, talk with your health care provider before using these.
Don't give ibuprofen to a child under 6 months of age. Never give aspirin or products containing aspirin to a child under age 19 years who has a fever or viral illness. This can cause Reye syndrome. This is a serious condition that can result in liver and brain damage or even death.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your provider, or as advised.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your provider or get medical care right away if:
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The swelling or pain around the eye gets worse.
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The redness gets worse.
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You have changes in vision.
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38º C) for more than 2 days while on antibiotics, or as advised by your provider.
Online Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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