Treatment of Erysipelas in Children (Age 1 Month to Under 18 Years) with Infection Near the Eyes or Nose
This protocol addresses erysipelas in children and young people from 1 month to under 18 years of age where the infection is located near the eyes or nose, in patients without penicillin allergy.
Clinical Scenario
The patient is a child or young person aged 1 month to under 18 years presenting with erysipelas near the eyes or nose — a site that warrants particular attention. There is no penicillin allergy.
Specialist advice should be considered for infection at this anatomical site.Treatment Approach
The first-choice antibiotic for this presentation is co-amoxiclav. How it is given — including the route and how severity influences the approach — varies according to the child's age group. The complete structured regimen is in the full protocol.
With appropriate treatment, symptoms are expected to begin improving within 2 to 3 days. Full resolution within 5 to 7 days is not anticipated.
References
table 2 for children and young people under 18 years
First-choice antibiotic if infection near the eyes or nose (consider seeking specialist advice; give orally unless person unable to take oral or severely unwell)
Co-amoxiclav (7 days)
seeking medical help if symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, or do not start to improve within 2 to 3 days.
However, skin does take some time to return to normal, and full resolution of symptoms at 5 to 7 days is not expected.
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