Suggest Treatment For Facial Cellulitis Following Trauma To Lips

Posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Answered on

Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my daughter has a secondary bacterial infection resulting from a blow to her lip which then ulcerated and then became infected. she has had two doses of antibiotics has a swollen face, swollen gums, swollen glands, fever and general malaise. Should she just wait to see the if the antibiotics kick in or go and see another doctor? She saw a doctor yesterday who prescribed the antibiotic but she wasn't feeling unwell. Today she is feeling worse.

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: She may need IV Antibiotics Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic, History and clinical symptoms of your daughter suggests me that she is having Facial cellulitis following trauma to her lips. Upper lip is considered as XXXXXXX area of face, any infection in and around this area can spread to cavernous sinus and may cause cavernous sinus thrombosis. She should be evaluated for cavernous sinus thrombosis, because it is a XXXXXXX condition. If she develops any symptoms likes vomiting, nausea and altered sensorium, she should be treated vigorously. If the symptoms are not coming down, she may require hospitalization for Intra venous (IV) antibiotics to cover staphylococcal and streptococcal infection. She may requires IV antibiotics like Inj Clavam or Inj Piperacillin and Tazobactam combination for her condition. Hope you got the answer for the query, if you have any further query feel free to post them. Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E