1. Finding the Right Eye Drops
Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, can be either viral or bacterial. Depending on what type your child has, treatment will vary. Eye drops are standard treatment for both types of pinkeye. However, two different kinds of eye drops may be used. If your child has viral conjunctivitis, your doctor will recommend saline eye drops, and he will prescribe antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis .
Many children, especially younger kids, cannot tolerate having drops put in their eyes several times a day. If you are concerned that this will be an issue, ask your doctor for an antibiotic ointment. This will be easier to apply and works just as well. Whichever remedy you use, your child's eyes should improve within 1 to 2 days. You should continue using the medication for the duration of the prescription, so that the infection clears up completely.
2. Using Compresses to Ease Discomfort
This infection can make your child's eyes swollen, itchy or irritated, and there may be discharge. Relieve some of the discomfort by applying warm or cold compresses, particularly in the morning when the eyes may be crusty with discharge. Use a warm washcloth to first wash the eye, and then apply the compress. If you want to apply an herbal compress, prepare an infusion of herbs and strain it well. Place a washcloth in the brew once it has cooled, and put it on your child's eye. The herb Eyebright is an excellent choice for pinkeye. It is an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine and works on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, ears, sinuses, throat and bronchi.
3. Treat Allergy Symptoms With Antihistamines
Pinkeye can also be caused by allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a response to an allergens like pollen. It affects both eyes and usually appears with other symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and itching. If your child has allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may recommend antihistamine drops. You may also want to consider using anti-allergy medication to relieve the allergy symptoms.
