Periorbital Cellulitis in Babies: Urgent Signs | Parenting Hub
A red, hot, swollen eyelid with fever needs same-day care. Learn the red flags of periorbital and orbital cellulitis in babies.
A hot, red, tender eyelid with fever is an emergency — go to your GP or emergency department the same day.
What to look for
The eyelid and surrounding skin are red, hot, tender and swollen. Baby is often feverish, miserable and may not want to open the eye.
Orbital cellulitis (deeper infection behind the eye) can also cause a bulging eye, eye-movement pain or vision change — this is a true emergency.
What to do
Don't wait — go to your GP, after-hours clinic or emergency department the same day. Treatment is antibiotics; oral or intravenous depending on severity.
When to seek help
- Hot, red, tender eyelid
- Fever or unwell baby
- Bulging eye, eye pain or restricted movement
- Any concerns under 3 months — go straight to hospital
Common questions
How is this different from a bite or stye?
Bites and styes are usually localised, not very tender and baby is otherwise well. Cellulitis spreads, is hot to touch and comes with fever.