A Case of Toddler with Cellulitis of the Leg due to Insect Bite

Abstract

Insect bite could cause soft tissue infection. Although most common cause of it is cellulitis, there are broad differential diagnoses from minor hypersensitivity reactions to necrotizing fasciitis. We describe the case of a 3-year-old boy who experienced progressive erythema with bullae on his leg after an insect bite that had happened 5 days ago. His clinical manifestations indicated necrotizing fasciitis as a possible scenario. However, no surgical exploration was performed after orthopedic consultation and magnetic resonance imaging. Empirical antibiotics was administered to him and he was discharged without any complications after 5 days. Although the final diagnosis was cellulitis, we would like highlight the necessity of high index of suspicion and expeditious treatment.

Keywords

• insects
• cellulitis
• fasciitis
• necrotizing