How to not get pink eye from your child
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth
What Is Pinkeye?
The eye infection conjunctivitis (kun-junk-tih-VY-tus) — often called pinkeye — is common in young kids. It's usually contagious, and breakouts can sweep through preschools and playgrounds. But even teens and adults can get pinkeye.
Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. It's a minor infection and although it might look bad, usually isn't serious.
Still, if your child shows signs of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but others need treatment.
What Causes Pinkeye?
Infectious pinkeye (the kind that can spread to others) can be caused by many of the bacteria and viruses responsible for colds and other infections — including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats. Sometimes it's caused by the same types of bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, two sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Some kinds of pinkeye are noninfectious, such as:
- allergic conjunctivitis, which happens more often in kids with other allergic conditions, like hay fever. Triggers include grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.
- irritant conjunctivitis, caused by anything that irritates the eyes, such as air pollution or chlorine in pools
Pinkeye in Newborns
Newborns are at risk for pinkeye and can develop serious health problems if it's not treated. If a pregnant woman has an STD, during delivery the bacteria or virus can pass from the birth canal into the baby's eyes, causing pinkeye. To prevent this, doctors give antibiotic ointment or eye drops to all babies right after birth. Occasionally, this treatment causes a mild chemical conjunctivitis, which usually clears up on its own. Doctors also can screen pregnant women for STDs and treat them during pregnancy to prevent spreading the infection to the baby.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Pinkeye?
Besides the telltale red or pink color that gives pinkeye its name, eye discomfort is a common symptom.
Kids might say that it feels like there's sand in the eye. Often, there's some discharge from the eye, and pain and swelling of the conjunctiva. Some kids have swollen eyelids or sensitivity to bright light. Pinkeye can affect one or both eyes.
In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and watery eyes are common symptoms.
Is Pinkeye Contagious?
Pinkeye is contagious if it's caused by bacteria or a virus:
- Pinkeye that's caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there's discharge from the eye — or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started.
- Pinkeye that's caused by a virus is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain so as long as the symptoms last.
Allergic conjunctivitis and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.
A child can get pinkeye by touching an infected person or something an infected person has touched, such as a used tissue. In the summertime, pinkeye can spread when kids swim in contaminated water or share contaminated towels.
It also can spread through coughing and sneezing.
Also, someone who has pinkeye in one eye can spread it to the other eye by rubbing or touching the infected eye, then touching the other eye.
How Is Pinkeye Diagnosed?
If you think your child has pinkeye, it's important to see your health care provider to learn what's causing it and how to treat it. Other serious eye conditions can have similar symptoms, so a child who complains of severe pain, changes in eyesight, swelling around the eyes, or sensitivity to light should be examined.
If you can't get an in-person visit, you might be able to do a "video visit" instead. Telehealth — when patients and health care providers use technology for the remote diagnosis and treatment of some health conditions — is becoming more and more popular. Ask your health care provider if his or her practice participates in telemedicine, and check with your insurance provider to see if this option is covered.
How Is Pinkeye Treated?
Pinkeye caused by a virus usually goes away without any treatment.
Pinkeye caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
It can be hard to get kids to tolerate eye drops several times a day. If you're having trouble, put the drops on the inner corner of your child's closed eye — when your child opens the eye, the medicine will flow into it. If you still have trouble with drops, ask the doctor about antibiotic ointment, which can be placed in a thin layer where the eyelids meet, and will melt and enter the eye.
If your child has allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy medicine, either as pills, liquid, or eye drops.
You also can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort (check instructions for correct amount).
How Can Parents Help?
Using cool or warm compresses on the eyes may make your child more comfortable. Clean the edges of the infected eye carefully with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. This can also remove the crusts of dried discharge that make the eyelids stick together in the morning.
If your child wears contact lenses, your doctor or eye doctor may recommend that the lenses not be worn until the infection is gone. Then, disinfect the lenses and their storage case at least twice before letting your child wear them again. If your child wears disposable contact lenses, throw away the current pair and use a new pair after the infection is gone.
Doctors usually recommend keeping kids with contagious conjunctivitis out of school, childcare, or summer camp for a short time.
Can Pinkeye Be Prevented?
Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so teach kids to wash their hands well and often with warm water and soap. They also should not share eye drops, tissues, eye makeup, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases.
Be sure to wash your own hands well after touching an infected child's eyes, and throw away items like gauze or cotton balls after they've been used. Wash towels and other linens that the child has used in hot water separately from the rest of the family's laundry to avoid contamination.
If you know your child is prone to allergic conjunctivitis, keep windows and doors closed on days when the pollen is heavy, and dust and vacuum often to limit allergy triggers. Irritant conjunctivitis can only be prevented by avoiding the irritating causes.
Screening and treating pregnant women for STDs can prevent many cases of pinkeye in newborns. A pregnant woman may have bacteria in her birth canal even if she shows no symptoms, which is why prenatal screening is important.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
If the pinkeye does not improve after 2 to 3 days of treatment, or after a week if untreated, call your doctor.
If your child has increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids and around the eye, along with a fever, call your doctor. Those symptoms may mean the infection has started to spread beyond the conjunctiva and will need more treatment.
Reviewed by: Rachel S. Schare, MD
Date reviewed: November 2020
How to Avoid Spreading Pink Eye.
Kids who attend public schools in the U.S. collectively miss nearly 3 million days of school every year because of pink eye, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While it can spread quickly from person to person, especially among children, there are ways you can avoid spreading pink eye—or prevent it altogether.
Nearly 3 million cases of #PinkEye are reported each year in the U.S. On the #LiveWellHealthy blog, family medicine physician Dr. Bhogal shares how you can prevent the spread of pink eye if you or your kids have it: https://bit.ly/36z8oP7
Click to Tweet
What is pink eye?
Just like it sounds, pink eye is an eye condition that causes the whites of the eyes to turn red or pink. Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis because the pinkish color is a result of an inflamed membrane that lines the eyelid and whites of the eyes, called the conjunctiva.
Typically, pink eye symptoms include:
- Redness in the whites of your eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eye swelling
- An itchy, irritated, or burning feeling in the eyes
- Eye discharge that results in crust between the eyelids or lashes
How is pink eye spread?
There are four different causes of pink eye, including:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Irritants, such as fumes, chemicals, dust, or smoke
- Allergens, including mold, pollen, or pet dander
However, viral and bacterial pink eye are the only types of conjunctivitis that are contagious.
Unlike irritants or allergens which can cause pink eye as a result of environmental factors, viral or bacterial pink eye is easily spread through direct contact with infected people or surfaces. That’s why it’s important to understand how to avoid spreading pink eye if you or your child have it.
6 ways to avoid spreading pink eye.
1. Wash your hands often.
Frequently washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent illness of any kind. The same principle applies to avoid spreading pink eye, too. Because pink eye is easily spread through contact with an infected surface or person, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds each time is the best way to avoid spreading pink eye to those around you.
Regular hand soap is strong enough to keep the virus or bacteria from spreading. In fact, antibacterial soap doesn’t offer any additional protection. Alcohol-based soap is also a good option, and you can even do a combination of washing with regular hand soap and alcohol-based soap.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If you have pink eye, try not to rub or touch your eyes. You should also try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth if you know someone around you has pink eye. Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your face.
3. Don’t share towels, sheets, or pillows.
Avoid sharing items that you use on your face, including pillowcases, washcloths, and sheets, as they can carry the virus or bacteria. Be sure to promptly wash any linens that have been used by someone with pink eye.
4. If you wear contacts, switch to glasses until pink eye clears up.
If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing glasses until your eyes heal to avoid spreading pink eye and also prevent it from coming back. In fact, it’s a good idea to throw away any contact lenses you wear or contact solution you use while you have pink eye.
5. Don’t share eye makeup.
Since eye makeup comes into close contact with your eyes, avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow with those around you.
You may even want to throw away old makeup so that you don’t reinfect your eyes when they’re starting to heal.
6. Just stay home.
Since pink eye is so contagious, it’s best to stay home from school or work when you have pink eye—at least until any eye discharge clears up. If you’re able to work remotely, that’s a great way to avoid spreading pink eye in the office.
If your pink eye isn’t clearing up on its own, you can seek medical care from your home using eVisit. This ensures you can talk to a doctor and get prescription eye drops to help relieve pink eye without the risk of exposing others in the doctor’s office. Using eVisit, you can talk to a doctor 24/7, 365 days a year—and you don’t need an appointment.
When and where should I seek pink eye treatment?
While most pink eyes typically clear up on their own, you may need to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or impacting your daily life.
Whether you suspect pink eye or something else, talk to a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following in one or both of your eyes:
- Pain
- Pressure
- Feeling or something in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing or blurred vision
- Redness in the whites of your eyes
Get the care you need, now.
It’s important that you don’t delay your medical needs or ignore symptoms that would typically make you seek care. Early detection and treatment improve our ability to provide the most comprehensive and effective care.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic reached our region, MedStar Health has made innovations to ensure we are still the best and safest place to receive care.
We have worked hard to make sure we can provide the care you need in the most appropriate and safe setting. MedStar Health Video Visits are still options for a variety of appointment needs, but in some cases, an in-person visit may be best. We’re here to help you get the right care that reflects your needs and comfort level.
We’re open and prepared to safely offer the same high-quality care you expect from MedStar Health, when you are ready to see us.
Conjunctivitis in a child - causes, symptoms and treatment
In this article we will tell you:
- Causes of conjunctivitis in a child
- Symptoms of conjunctivitis in a child.
His views - Bacterial conjunctivitis in children
- Viral conjunctivitis in children
- Allergic conjunctivitis in children
- Contact conjunctivitis in children
- Prevention of childhood conjunctivitis
The child has redness in one or both eyes. They water, itch and hurt, the baby can hardly look at the light and complains of pain. A familiar picture? Probably, there is not a single child who has not experienced such symptoms at least once in his life. And, of course, all parents know about this unpleasant diagnosis - conjunctivitis in children.
Inflammation of the outer mucous membrane of the eyeball is a fairly common disease: 20-30% of small patients who turn to an ophthalmologist suffer from it. The first surge in incidence occurs at about five months - when babies already know how to rub their eyes with their hands. Immunity is not developed during the disease, so you can get sick with it repeatedly and at any age.
We will talk about what parents need to know about this disease, its causes and treatment in this article.
Causes of conjunctivitis in a child
The causes of the disease in children can be very different. Experts note that earlier the main culprit of conjunctivitis more often became a streptococcal infection. Now the proportion of viral and allergic conjunctivitis has increased significantly. These three sources of disease - bacteria, viruses and allergies - are the main causes of inflammation of the children's conjunctiva.
So, conjunctivitis in babies develops due to:
- bacteria.
- Viruses.
- Gribkov.
- Allergy.
- Mechanical impact on the conjunctiva.
- Trauma
- Incorrectly selected contact lenses or non-compliance with the mode of wearing and caring for them.
And not only streptococci: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, meningococci, pneumococci and many other pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic organisms can trigger the disease. Gonococcal conjunctivitis is considered especially severe for newborns: if you suspect a disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Basically - the herpetic series and adenoviruses.
Eyes react with inflammation to damage by candida and other fungi.
Book dust, animal skin particles, household chemicals, drugs: all these substances can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Scratching your eyes with dirty hands is a common thing, for example, in the sandbox. Conjunctivitis will not keep you waiting.
Most often, the cause can only be determined by the results of the tests. This can be done by a specialist ophthalmologist, with an appeal to which, if a disease is suspected, it is not worth delaying.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis in a child. Its types
In addition to the general signs of conjunctivitis in children - protein hyperemia, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, itching, burning, pain in the eyes, there are features characteristic of each type of disease.
Bacterial conjunctivitis in children
It is characterized by the presence of cloudy gray, gray-yellow or yellow discharge from the eyes. There is so much discharge that, waking up in the morning, the child cannot open his eyes: eyelashes and eyelids stick together with dried pus and mucus. In addition, with purulent conjunctivitis, a general deterioration in well-being is often observed: headache, fever, fatigue, lethargy - all the signs that usually accompany the course of a bacterial infection.
Bacterial conjunctivitis spreads easily in children's groups: nursery and kindergarten groups, classes.
Viral conjunctivitis in children
Differs in a long course. According to the symptoms, it is possible to distinguish herpetic conjunctivitis from adenovirus: in the first case, the inflammatory process is more often unilateral, in the second - bilateral, with an increase in cervical lymph nodes and fever. Herpetic conjunctivitis often leads to complications, since with it the lesion extends to deeper sections.
Adenovirus is characterized by a combination of inflammation of the eyes with otitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis in children
The proportion of allergic conjunctivitis increases with the overall increase in the incidence of allergies. They mostly affect both eyes and last at least a month, often longer. The main complaint is a painful constant itching. A child suffering from allergic conjunctivitis constantly rubs his eyes, which leads to eyelid dermatitis. Cracks, abrasions, a rash around the eyes join the discomfort. Severe lacrimation is characteristic. The discharge is usually mucous or purulent-mucous.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by plant pollen, pet excretions, food, and even helminthic infestations. Unlike infectious conjunctivitis, it is not contagious and does not lead to epidemic outbreaks in communities.
Contact conjunctivitis in children
Its main difference is the defeat of only one eye. This is because the disease is directly related to the contact of the organ of vision with an irritating element - a mote, a grain of sand, an eyelash, or a microtrauma.
Prevention of childhood conjunctivitis
Actions to prevent the disease will vary depending on the cause that caused it.
So, the ways to prevent highly contagious infectious conjunctivitis are scrupulous personal hygiene. Washing hands with soap and using only an individual towel are the minimum measures to protect the child. The sick person needs to allocate separate bed linen, dishes, provide paper napkins, which should be thrown away immediately after use.
To prevent allergic conjunctivitis, it is necessary to minimize contact with the allergen: removing the source of the disease is the only way to recover and avoid relapses.
Conjunctivitis in children - treatment than to treat bacterial conjunctivitis in a child. Signs of conjunctivitis in infants, eyewash
Conjunctivitis is a disease in which the conjunctiva (the outer lining of the eye and eyelids) becomes inflamed.
Types of conjunctivitis
According to the etiology, conjunctivitis is classified into:
- allergic;
- viral and bacterial;
- mixed;
- toxic and traumatic.
Depending on the course of the process, conjunctivitis can be acute and chronic.
Conjunctivitis can occur as a complication of certain diseases or be a manifestation of a weakened immune system. Allergic conjunctivitis appears upon contact with animal hair, chlorinated water, household chemicals, etc. In case of allergic reactions of the body, the child may have other manifestations of allergies (skin itching, asthma, rhinitis). Traumatic conjunctivitis is a consequence of trauma, and toxic conjunctivitis is caused by the aggressive action of chemical compounds.
Symptoms
The main manifestations of inflammation of the conjunctiva are:
- discomfort, dryness, foreign body sensation in the eye;
- swelling and increased lacrimation;
- hyperemia of the conjunctiva.
With conjunctivitis of bacterial origin, purulent discharge from the eyes is most often present. For viral, on the contrary, hyperemia and lacrimation are characteristic, while discharge from the eyes may be absent.
Allergic processes are characterized by bilateral lesions, redness of the conjunctiva, a feeling of dry eyes.
Acute conjunctivitis has a sudden onset and vivid manifestations, chronic ones have smoothed symptoms and are more often manifested by discomfort in the eye area and hyperemia.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of conjunctivitis is made after examining the patient by an ophthalmologist (visual examination and using an ophthalmoscope). In rare cases, a swab-print or scraping from the mucous membrane is necessary to diagnose the pathogen and identify its sensitivity to the antibiotic.
Complications
Timely treatment of eye conjunctivitis in children will help to avoid such major complications of the disease as the transition of an acute inflammation process into a chronic form and a decrease in visual acuity.
Treatment principles
Conjunctivitis of the eye treatment in children must comply with a number of rules:
- You should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.
- If it is a warm season, it is important to forbid the child to swim in open water (lakes, rivers).
- Before a visit to the doctor, as a first aid, it is allowed to instill solutions of chloramphenicol or albucid into the eyes.
- In an allergic process, it is important to isolate the child from the allergen.
The principle of treatment of conjunctivitis is the impact on the etiological factor. Thus, antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial processes, antihistamines and corticosteroids for allergic ones, and antiviral drugs for viral ones.
For each eye, when instilling drops or applying ointment, a separate cotton swab or disk is used. Eye conjunctivitis treatment in children should be accompanied by isolated eye hygiene, in case of conjunctivitis in one eye, hygiene measures can help avoid infection of the second.
When buying drugs, it is important to monitor their dosage, for children it is less than for adults. Eye conjunctivitis treatment in young children requires special attention and a competent approach, some drugs can only be used starting from 2 to 3 years.
