Infraorbital Cellulitis: What to Know

Cellulitis is an infection of deeper skin and soft tissue. In the infraorbital area, it can cause one-sided redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, and a tight or heavy feeling beneath the eye. Fever may occur, but its absence does not rule out a local infection.

A break in the skin, a nearby wound, sinus problem, insect bite, or infection elsewhere can provide an entry point. Athlete's Foot may also create cracks that allow bacteria to enter other areas, while Type 2 Diabetes can affect infection risk and healing. The infection is not the same as simple irritation or an uncomplicated eyelid bump.

Arrange same-day medical assessment for new or increasing swelling, redness, or Painful Skin below the eye. A clinician will examine the skin and eye, check how far the infection extends, and prescribe treatment appropriate to the findings. Take medicines exactly as directed and do not squeeze, massage, or apply leftover creams to the area.

Keep the area clean, avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until assessed, and mark the edge of redness only if a clinician advises this, so change can be observed. Do not wait for home care to settle a rapidly worsening infection.

Go to emergency care immediately for pain with eye movement, blurred or double vision, reduced vision, difficulty opening the eye, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, marked drowsiness, or rapidly expanding swelling. High Fever, chills, faintness, or feeling severely unwell can signal a spreading infection. Sepsis is an emergency and needs immediate attention.

Ask how deep the infection appears, whether the eye or nearby structures are involved, which antibiotic plan is appropriate, when improvement should be checked, and which symptoms require immediate return.