Eye discharge in infant

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Newborns

Newborns with symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) should see a doctor right away.

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a red eye in a newborn caused by infection, irritation, or a blocked tear duct. When caused by an infection, neonatal conjunctivitis can be very serious.

Symptoms and Causes of Conjunctivitis in Newborns

Newborns with conjunctivitis develop drainage from the eyes within a few days to several weeks after birth. Their eyelids become puffy, red, and tender. The cause of neonatal conjunctivitis is often difficult to determine because, in many instances, the symptoms don’t vary by cause.

Conjunctivitis in a newborn may be caused by a blocked tear duct, irritation produced by the topical antimicrobials given at birth, or infection with a virus or bacterium passed from the mother to her baby during childbirth. Even mothers without symptoms (asymptomatic) at the time of delivery can carry and pass bacteria or viruses to babies during birth.

The most common types of neonatal conjunctivitis include the following:

• Inclusion (chlamydial) conjunctivitis
  Chlamydia trachomatis can cause inclusion conjunctivitis and genital infections (chlamydia). A woman with untreated chlamydia can pass the bacteria to her baby during childbirth. Symptoms of inclusion conjunctivitis include redness of the eye(s), swelling of the eyelids, and discharge of pus. Symptoms are likely to appear 5 to 12 days after birth. Symptoms can develop earlier if the amniotic sac is ruptured during delivery. Some newborns with chlamydial conjunctivitis can have the infection in other parts of their bodies. The bacteria can infect the lungs and nasopharynx (where the back of the nose connects to the mouth).
• Gonococcal conjunctivitis
  Neisseria gonorrhoeae can cause gonococcal conjunctivitis, as well as the sexually transmitted infection called gonorrhea. A woman with untreated gonorrhea can pass the bacteria to her baby during childbirth. Symptoms usually include red eyes, thick pus in the eyes, and swelling of the eyelids. This type of conjunctivitis usually begins in the first 2-5 days of life. It can also progress to serious infections of the bloodstream (bacteremia) and lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) in newborns.
• Chemical conjunctivitis
  When eye drops are given to newborns to help prevent a bacterial infection, the newborn’s eye(s) may become irritated. This may be diagnosed as chemical conjunctivitis. Symptoms of chemical conjunctivitis usually include mildly red eye(s) and some swelling of the eyelids. Symptoms are likely to last for only 24 to 36 hours.
• Other neonatal conjunctivitis
  Viruses and bacteria other than Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae can cause conjunctivitis. For example, bacteria that normally live in a woman’s vagina and are not sexually transmitted can cause conjunctivitis. Additionally, the viruses that cause genital and oral herpes can cause neonatal conjunctivitis and severe eye damage. The mother may pass such viruses to her baby during childbirth. However, herpes conjunctivitis is less common than conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms usually include red eye(s) and swollen eyelids with some pus.

Prevention and Treatment of Conjunctivitis in Newborns

To prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, most states have laws requiring  providers to put drops or ointment in a newborn’s eyes, typically within 2-3 hours of birth. In the past, hospitals used silver nitrate; now hospitals mostly use antibiotic eye drops, typically erythromycin. During pregnancy and prior to giving birth, women with genital herpes should consult with their physician about ways to minimize the chances of spread to their newborn baby.

Doctors may treat neonatal conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection with antibiotics. It will depend on the severity of the infection and the bacteria that caused it. Some antibiotics are applied as an eye drop or ointment in the eye (topical). Other antibiotics are given by mouth (orally), through a vein (intravenous), or as a shot (intramuscular). Doctors may treat a newborn’s conjunctivitis with a combination of topical, and either oral, intravenous, or intramuscular antibiotics. Rinsing the newborn’s infected eye with a saline solution will remove any debris that may develop in response to the infection.

If a blocked tear duct causes conjunctivitis, a gentle, warm massage between the eye and nasal area may help. If the blocked tear duct does not clear by 1 year of age, the newborn may require surgery.

Treatments for the common causes of neonatal conjunctivitis are as follows:

• Inclusion (chlamydial) conjunctivitis
  Doctors usually use oral antibiotics to treat inclusion conjunctivitis.
• Gonococcal conjunctivitis
  Doctors give intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) antibiotics to treat gonococcal conjunctivitis. If untreated, the newborn could develop corneal ulcerations (open sores in the cornea) and blindness.
• Chemical conjunctivitis
  Since this type of conjunctivitis is caused by chemical irritation, treatment is usually not required. The newborn will usually get better in 24 to 36 hours.
• Other bacterial and viral conjunctivitis
  Doctors usually give antibiotic drops or ointments to treat conjunctivitis caused by other bacteria For both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, a warm compress to the eye may relieve swelling and irritation. Be sure to wash hands before and after touching the infected eyes.

Eye - Pus or Discharge

Is this your child's symptom?

• Yellow or green discharge (pus) in the eye
• The eyelids are stuck (matted) together with pus after sleep
• After being wiped away, the pus comes back during the day
• Often caused by a bacterial eye infection

Causes of Eye with Pus

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis. This is a bacterial infection of the eye. The main symptom is eyelids stuck together with pus after sleep. Can be present in 1 or both eyes. A few viruses can cause pus in the eyes, but most don't.
• Viral Conjunctivitis. This is a viral infection of the eyes. Main symptom is pinkness of the white parts of the eyes. The eyes are also watery. Most often, there is no pus. Usually on both sides.
• Normal Discharge. A small amount of dried mucus only in the corner of the eye. It may not even be pus. A collection of mucus can be cream colored. Often due to an irritant that got in the eye from dirty hands. Needs no treatment except wiping it away with warm water.
• Blocked Tear Duct. Present in 10% of newborns. Main symptom is a constant watery eye. Tears fill the eye and run down the face. This happens even when not crying. The eye is not red and the eyelid is not swollen. The wet eye may get secondary infections. This will cause the eyelids to become matted with pus.
• Foreign Object in Eye (Serious). Small particles such as sand, dirt or sawdust can be blown into the eyes. The grit often gets stuck under the upper eyelid. If not removed, the eye reacts by producing pus. The main clue is an eye infection that does not respond to antibiotic eyedrops. Older children complain of feeling something in the eye.
• Eyelid Cellulitis (Serious). This is a deep infection of the eyelid and tissues around it. The main symptom is a red, swollen, very tender eyelid. The eye can be swollen shut. Usually only on one side. This can be a problem caused by bacterial conjunctivitis. The eye infection spreads inward. More commonly this is caused by an ethmoid sinus infection. That type occurs without any pus in the eye.

Symptoms of Bacterial Eye Infection

• Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye
• Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes
• The eyelashes are more likely to be stuck together after sleep
• The whites of the eye may or may not be red or pink
• The eyelids are often puffy

When to Call for Eye - Pus or Discharge

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Eyelid is very red or very swollen
• Vision is blurred
• Eye pain or discomfort is more than mild
• Fever over 104° F (40° C)
• Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Pus in the eye, but none of the symptoms above. Reason: you may need antibiotic eyedrops to treat it.
• Using antibiotic eye drops more than 3 days and pus is still there

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

• Bellevue
• Everett
• Federal Way
• Seattle

Care Advice for Pus In the Eye

1. What You Should Know About Bacterial Eye Infections:
   • Bacterial eye infections are common with colds.
   • They respond to home treatment with antibiotic eye drops which need a prescription.
   • They are not harmful to vision.
   • Until you get some antibiotic eye drops, here is some advice that should help.
2. Remove Pus:
   • Remove all the dried and liquid pus from the eyelids. Use warm water and wet cotton balls to do this.
   • Do this whenever pus is seen on the eyelids.
   • Also, remove the pus before the antibiotic eye drops are put in. Reason: they will not work if you don't.
   • The pus can spread infection to others. So, dispose of it carefully.
   • Wash your hands well after any contact with the pus.
3. Antibiotic Eye Drops: How to Use
   • For a cooperative child, gently pull down on the lower lid. Put 1 drop inside the lower lid. Then ask your child to close the eye for 2 minutes. Reason: so the medicine will get into the tissues.
   • For a child who won't open his eye, have him lie down. Put 1 drop over the inner corner of the eye. If your child opens the eye or blinks, the eye drop will flow in. If he doesn't open the eye, the drop will slowly seep into the eye.
4. Contact Lenses:
   • Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses until the infection is gone.
   • Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea.
   • Disinfect the contacts before wearing them again.
   • Discard them if they are disposable.
5. Return to School:
   • Your child can return to school when the pus is a small amount.
   • Antibiotic eye drops should be used for 24 hours before going back.
6. What to Expect:
   • With treatment, the pus discharge should clear up in 3 days.
   • The red eyes may last up to a week.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Eyelid gets red or swollen
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 12/04/2022

Last Revised: 01/13/2022

Copyright 2000-2022. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

The eyes of a child fester - causes, treatment and prevention of diseases

Contents

• Causes of festering eyes in children
• Causes of suppuration of the eyes in children over one year old
• Treatment of eye suppuration in children
• Prevention of eye suppuration in infants and children over one year of age
• What can be dangerous if a child has festering eyes

Suppuration of the eyes is a common problem in newborns. The fact is that during the period of attempts, infection of the fetus can occur, infection occurs. To prevent this from happening, doctors can disinfect the eyes with special solutions in children in the first hours of life. In some cases, decontamination may not help, and the infection will still spread.

Causes of suppuration of the eyes in children

• Infectious eye diseases - conjunctivitis, in most cases bacterial, keratitis.
• Inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct.
• Foreign object in the eye.
• Inflammation of the skin layers around the eyes, which is medically called "orbital cellulitis".
• Styes can also cause pus in the eye of a child.
• Blockage of tear ducts.
• Allergic reactions.

Let's analyze each reason in more detail. Ophthalmologists say that in the vast majority of cases in infants, infection occurs against the background of dacryocystitis , a condition in which swelling occurs in the area of ​​the lacrimal sac. Experts say that suppuration of the eyes in newborns can also occur due to inflammatory processes in the mother's reproductive system.

Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the tissues around the eyes. They look red and swollen. Bacterial conjunctivitis must be treated according to a plan drawn up by an ophthalmologist.

Sometimes mote, speck of dust, cat hair can get into the eye . As a response, lacrimation, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye may occur. In this case, you should contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Orbital cellulitis occurs due to infection of the deeper layers of the skin around the eyes. This is a dangerous disease that is fraught with further spread of infection to other areas. The progression of pathology is dangerous for children's vision.

Stye is a small firm swelling in the area of ​​the eyelid. Barley is able to further develop into a chalazion, a more dangerous condition.

Allergic reactions resulting in suppuration usually occur in children older than one year. Purulent discharge from the eyes is one of the symptoms of allergies. This condition often occurs during periods of seasonal allergies, during periods of flowering plants that are considered allergens.

Causes of suppuration of the eyes in children older than one year

A common cause of suppuration of the eyes in older children can be a cold, flu due to the spread of a viral infection. In this case, it is necessary to take measures to treat the infection.

Colds can provoke an inflammatory process in the sinuses. This is called sinusitis. This condition is accompanied by symptoms such as an increase in body temperature to a high level, a runny nose, and suppuration of the eyes.

Conjunctivitis, keratitis can also be factors that provoked suppuration of the eyes in a child. Conjunctivitis can occur against the background of the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Treatment of eye suppuration in children

Before talking about treatment, it is important to understand the symptoms that need attention. These include swelling of the eyelids, profuse purulent discharge from the eyes, decreased visual acuity, pain in the eye area, profuse lacrimation, redness of the eyes.

If these symptoms occur, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Infectious diseases in children progress very quickly and treatment should be started as soon as possible. In some cases, antibiotic treatment may even be needed if staphylococcus aureus caused the suppuration of the eyes.

The method of treatment depends on the cause that caused suppuration of the eyes in the child. As a rule, treatment is therapeutic in nature. The ophthalmologist may prescribe special antibacterial drops or ointments, eyewashes.

In the case of dacryocystitis, the outcome of the appointment of surgical intervention is likely. The operation can be performed if the patency in the tear ducts is impaired.

Suppuration caused by allergic reactions can be cured if the cause of the allergy is removed. To suppress symptomatic manifestations, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines in combination with other drugs.

Do not self-medicate. The only correct approach to treatment is to immediately show the child to an ophthalmologist and begin treatment.

Prevention of eye suppuration in infants and children older than one year

Regularly observe the child with a pediatric ophthalmologist in order to diagnose possible deviations from the visual norm in time.

Teach your child about hygiene. Inspire the child that you can not touch the eyes with dirty hands, touch the eyelids.

Make sure your child's diet is varied and contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Good nutrition will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system. A normal level of immune response is very important for fighting viruses and bacteria that enter the child's body.

Be careful with small objects to avoid getting foreign objects in the eye.

If the eyes are festering in newborns, preventive measures cannot prevent the pathological process. To prevent festering in older children, it is important to adhere to the following preventive recommendations to reduce the risk of festering:

What can be dangerous if a child has festering eyes

If festering eyes in children are not treated, the symptom may return in an even more severe condition. Infectious diseases - conjunctivitis, keratitis - can progress and can lead to complications in the child's vision.

Suppuration of the eyes can lead to the appearance of other unpleasant symptoms for the child - itching, burning in the eyes, watery eyes. Discomfort will cause the child to have a decrease in mood, complexes, difficulties in doing homework.

Be attentive to the health of your children. It is very important to ensure the normal development of the child's visual system in order to maintain a high quality of vision in the future.

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The eye of a newborn is festering. What to do?

11/12/2021 114243