Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is a common childhood illness. Newborns, in particular, are susceptible to pinkeye and may suffer complications if it is not promptly addressed, according to KidsHealth.org. Because it can be serious in babies, contact your baby's pediatrician if you suspect he has pinkeye. It's also best to keep him away from other children until you know the cause of the infection.
Symptoms
A baby who has pinkeye may have red or bloodshot eyes, or may seem to be producing tears even when not crying, according to MedlinePlus. Pinkeye can effect one or both eyes. Because the eye may produce a discharge, you also may notice that your baby's eye is crusted shut when he wakes up. The eye may also be painful and itchy, which may make your baby more cranky and irritable than usual.
Causes
Viral and bacterial infections are two possible causes of conjunctivitis. Allergies may also contribute. Newborns can also develop pinkeye from contracting a bacteria or virus when passing through the birth canal, if the mother has a sexually transmitted disease, KidsHealth.org reports. Babies can also be born with a blocked tear duct. This condition normally resolves on its own in the first year of life, but it can cause pinkeye.
Diagnosis
Your baby's pediatrician can typically diagnose pinkeye based on a physical exam. After diagnosing the condition, he will try to determine the source. If you baby has had a cold, viral conjunctivitis is likely, according to BabyCenter. Bacterial conjunctivitis is likely the culprit if the eye is producing a thick, yellowish discharge. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies is rare in babies, but typically occur with other allergy symptoms, including swollen, watery eyes and a runny nose.
Treatment
Pinkeye can be serious in babies, so prompt treatment is important. Viral conjunctivitis typically clears up within a few days of symptoms developing, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If your baby's pinkeye is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops to clear up the infection. If your baby is prescribed drops or ointment, it is important to use them exactly as directed for as long as directed.
Precautions
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are extremely contagious and can be easily spread from person to person. The infection can be spread when you baby touches the affected eye and then touches another person or object. If your baby attends daycare, you should keep him home until the eye is no longer producing discharge, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. To prevent the infection from spreading to others, always wash your hands after administering your child's ointment or eye drops, or after holding or interacting with your baby.
