Puss in baby eye

Is it normal and how to treat it?

Eye discharge is common in newborns and typically occurs due to a blocked tear duct. However, parents and caregivers can often treat this at home.

Eye discharge is typically harmless and self-resolving. However, discharge that occurs alongside other symptoms in the eye area, such as swelling or tenderness, could indicate an infection or another eye problem. A parent or caregiver of a newborn with these symptoms will need to consult a doctor.

This article discusses how common eye discharge is and explains how to treat it at home. We also cover medical treatment, other causes, complications, and when to contact a doctor.

Eye discharge in newborns is common and rarely a cause for concern. A common cause of eye discharge is a blocked tear duct.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, almost 20% of newborns have a blocked tear duct. This condition can occur because the end of the tear duct does not open properly when the baby is born.

Tears form in the lacrimal gland, which sits just above the eye. Tear fluid helps clean and lubricate the surface of the eye. When a person blinks, the eyelids sweep the tear fluid into these ducts, which drain it into the nose.

If something blocks a tear duct, fluid may no longer be able to drain away from the eye’s surface. Blockages can cause very watery eyes, and sticky discharge may form in the corners.

Learn more about blocked tear ducts.

Blocked tear ducts are a common cause of eye discharge in infants. However, other conditions and factors can also cause discharge.

Conjunctivitis

Eye discharge in newborns can also be a sign of conjunctivitis or pinkeye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that protects the front of the eye. Unlike a blocked tear duct, conjunctivitis often causes the white part of the eye to appear red.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in newborns can include:

drainage or discharge that develops between 5 and 12 days after birth
puffy or tender eyelids, often with skin discoloration
red, irritated eyes

Conjunctivitis in newborns can sometimes occur alongside a blocked tear duct. However, a pregnant person can also pass on a bacterial or viral infection to their baby when giving birth, leading to conjunctivitis.

Learn more about the symptoms of eye infections.

Chemical irritation

Chemical irritation can also cause conjunctivitis in newborns. Healthcare professionals often give antibacterial eye drops to newborns to prevent infections. These eye drops can sometimes cause irritation that can result in conjunctivitis symptoms.

Learn more about eye irritation.

If the eye discharge is due to a blocked tear duct, it will usually resolve without treatment within 4–6 months.

However, wind, cold weather, and strong sunlight can also worsen symptoms, so a parent or caregiver should aim to protect a newborn’s eyes from these elements.

Clearing discharge

A parent or caregiver can often treat a newborn with a blocked tear duct at home. Before touching the area close to the child’s eyes, it is essential to wash the hands with soap and warm water to prevent infections. A person should also take care to rinse the hands thoroughly after cleaning them to avoid getting soap in the baby’s eye.

To clear away discharge, dip a clean piece of gauze or soft cloth in some lukewarm water, then gently wipe the corner of the eye. If a blocked tear duct affects both eyes, always use a new area of the cloth or gauze to clean the other eye.

Tearduct massage

A doctor may also recommend gently massaging the blocked tear duct to help it open, and they will demonstrate how to do this safely.

To massage the tear duct:

Lightly press the tip of the index finger against the inside bridge of the newborn’s nose, on the side of the blocked tear duct.
Make 2 or 3 short downward strokes with the finger along the side of the nose. These should be gentle but firm.
Perform the massage twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening.

If the side of the newborn’s nose becomes red or swollen, stop the massage immediately and contact a doctor.

In newborns, blocked tear ducts tend to open up within several months of birth. However, medical intervention may be necessary in some cases.

Surgery

If the blockage has not gone away by the baby is 1 year of age, a doctor may recommend a medical treatment called a nasolacrimal duct probing.

This procedure involves inserting a small probe into the infant’s tear duct. By using probes that gradually increase in size, a doctor will be able to open up the tear duct. They will then use a saline solution to flush out any remaining debris.

Sometimes, the doctor may also insert a small tube, or stent, into the duct to keep it open.

Probing is usually successful in opening the tear duct. For children with a severe blockage, a doctor may recommend a more complicated surgical procedure called a dacryocystorhinostomy to clear out and open the tear duct.

Antibiotics

If an infection is causing eye discharge, the newborn will need prompt medical attention. To treat cases of infectious discharge, a doctor may prescribe topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics.

Blocked tear ducts can sometimes lead to an infection called dacryocystitis. Symptoms of this condition may include:

excessive thick discharge from the eye
redness in the corner of the eye
a tender bump or swelling at the side of the nose
fever

If a newborn has any of these symptoms, a parent or caregiver should consult a doctor.

Newborns with eye discharge or very watery eyes should speak with a pediatrician or an eye doctor specializing in children, called a pediatric ophthalmologist. These healthcare professionals can diagnose the cause of the discharge and check for signs of infection.

Parents or caregivers should seek medical attention if an infant’s eye discharge persists for more than 6 months.

Newborns with signs of an eye infection require immediate medical attention. Signs of an eye infection can include:

sore or puffy eyes
swollen eyelids
yellow or green pus or discharge
a bump or swelling on the inside corner of the eye

If a parent or caregiver notices any of these symptoms, they should contact a doctor immediately.

Eye discharge in newborns is common and often results from a blocked tear duct. The blockage will usually clear up by itself within 4 to 6 months.

However, newborns with eye redness, eye discharge, or excessive watering of the eyes should speak with a doctor to diagnose the cause and rule out an eye infection.

Parents and caregivers can treat a baby with a blocked tear duct at home by wiping away any discharge and gently massaging the area twice a day. A doctor can demonstrate how to do this.

Discoloration, swelling, or soreness in the eye can indicate an eye infection. Speak with a doctor immediately if an infant has these signs.

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&percnt; 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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to Expect:
- With treatment, the pus discharge should clear up in 3 days.
- The red eyes may last up to a week.
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: 01/06/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

The child's eye is festering, what to treat, medicines, washing, professional consultation of an ophthalmologist

New Popular

Children's vision

January 03, 2023

Sometimes in the first weeks of life, a newborn has purulent discharge from one or both eyes, eyelashes stick together or watery eyes. These signs indicate the presence of a disease in an infant. The most common reasons may be: nine0003

Allergy
The baby may have an allergic reaction, for example, to milk or medicines. In this case, there is an abundant release of tears, which causes redness of the eyes and the appearance of pus.

Blepharitis
A disease that affects the edges of the eyelids, accompanied by the appearance of purulent crusts on the eyelashes, gluing of the eyelashes, swelling and redness of the edges of the eyelids. Improper hygiene of the child's eyes can lead to the appearance of pus on the eyelashes. nine0003

Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and eyelids occurs against the background of the presence of chlamydia (possibly when infected through the birth canal), staphylococcus aureus, SARS, influenza and other infectious diseases. The main signs of inflammation are redness of the eyes, accumulation of pus in the corners of the eyes, itching, tearing, pain in the eyelids. Read more about conjunctivitis here.

Dacryocystitis
The cause of the appearance of pus in the eyes of a newborn child may be a violation of the patency of the lacrimal ducts.

The main symptoms of the presence of the disease

A large number of purulent crusts
Persistent, copious greenish or yellow discharge
Swollen or red eyes.

Usually these symptoms are not dangerous for the health of the child, but if the first symptoms appear, you should not treat yourself at home and put drops or ointment in your eyes. It is important to immediately contact an ophthalmologist for a consultation. The doctor will be able to accurately diagnose and prescribe the necessary course of treatment. nine0003

Hygiene and treatment

For hygienic purposes, eyewash with antiseptic solutions is used. It is possible to use a solution of potassium permanganate. Washing with ordinary boiled water and regular compresses help. The main thing is not to forget the basic rules of eye hygiene:

Before starting, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid infections in your child's eyes. Before rinsing, make sure that there is no soap or other product left on the palms. nine0036
Flush eyes only with sterile items such as cotton swabs or gauze. Hands, cotton pads, scarves, napkins should not be used.
Do not open a newborn's eyelids without first moistening, and do not rub or scab dry as this may damage the eyes.
Soften the crust and rinse the eyes with sterile wet gauze or a swab. Moisten gauze or swab with saline solution (for example, a solution of furacilin) or warm boiled water if there is no solution. Chamomile tea or other decoctions should not be used to clean a child's eyes, as it is not a sterile product that can cause allergies or infections. nine0036
Eyes are best cleaned from the inner corner to the outer, as this helps to remove residual fluid from the eyes.
Eye cleaning should be done a couple of times a day: after waking up, when there is more fluid accumulation, and after taking a bath, as the crusts soften and are removed more easily.

For treatment purposes, the doctor may prescribe antibacterial eye drops and/or ointments, antiviral eye drops, antihistamines in the form of eye drops or tablets. nine0003

In case of confirmation of dacryocystitis in newborns, the doctor teaches parents the technique of special massage for self-administration at home or makes a conclusion about the need for timely surgical treatment.

In any case, we recommend that you immediately contact a specialist if you have symptoms.

Child's eyes fester - causes, treatment and prevention of diseases

Contents

Causes of suppurating 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. nine0003

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".
Barley can also cause pus in the eye of a child.
Blockage of tear ducts. nine0036
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. nine0003

Sometimes mote, speck of dust, cat hair may 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. nine0003

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 over one year of age. 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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 follow these 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. nine0003

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.