Blood tests for Chau at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi revealed signs of acute inflammation, with a high white blood cell count. Master, Doctor Nguyen Huu Hieu from the Pediatrics Department stated that the patient had diffuse cellulitis in the nasal area, an acute progressive infection, caused by staphylococcus aureus.

Due to the infection's location in a dangerous facial area with a tendency to invade the eye sockets, doctors ordered specialized eye ultrasounds to screen for complications. The ultrasound results for both eyeballs and eye sockets showed no internal structural damage.

Doctor Hieu examining the patient after treatment. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Doctors prescribed aggressive treatment for the patient, including intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring for dangerous complications. After a few days of treatment, the child was alert, interacted well, had rosy skin and mucous membranes, and stable vital signs. She was discharged after 5 days.

Staphylococcus aureus is a highly virulent bacterium commonly found in the environment and can reside on the skin, nasal, and pharyngeal mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin's natural protective barrier is broken by scratches, mosquito bites, or boils, the bacteria easily penetrate deep into the underlying soft tissue, causing cellulitis. It can also spread through contaminated personal items such as towels, clothes, and bedding.

According to Doctor Hieu, the area around the nose and mouth is considered a "dangerous triangle" on the face due to its rich vascular system, which connects directly to the venous sinuses in the brain. Even a small scratch can become a gateway for staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can travel through the bloodstream into the cranium, leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis or sepsis.

Doctors advise parents not to self-incise or squeeze boils, or apply unknown leaves or plasters to a child's inflamed red skin. If a child develops boils accompanied by fever, widespread swelling, or severe pain, parents should take them to a medical facility for timely treatment to avoid dangerous complications.

Thuy Hanh