Pinkeye, also known as red-eye or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers and protects the surface of the eye and the insides of the eyelids. The name comes from the characteristic red or pink look that the eyes get as the tiny blood vessels become irritated and swell within the eye.
Symptoms
Parents may notice a red or pink color to the whites of the infant's eyes or redness of the lower rim of either eyelid as a first sign of pinkeye in a baby.
The baby may try to rub at his eyes. His eyes may also tear up or produce a crusty substance that is especially noticeable just after he wakes up. In some cases, the eye may produce a thick yellow discharge
Causes
Pinkeye in babies can be caused by a virus, bacteria or allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is less common than viral or bacterial conjunctivitis in infants, since most eye allergies don't occur until after the child's first birthday. According to Baby Center, viruses are the most common cause of pinkeye in infants. Some viruses that cause conjunctivitis include the adenoviruses, enteroviruses and herpes simplex, which can be passed from an infected mother at birth. Common bacterial culprits are staphylococcus, streptococcus and hemophilus. Irritants that fly into the eye, such as smoke or sand, may also cause temporary pinkeye in babies. In a newborn, another possible cause is a reaction to the eye drops given just after birth.
Considerations
A baby with pinkeye can rapidly develop a serious infection, so prompt medical care is necessary. Because viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, babies who have pinkeye should be kept out of daycare and away from other infants until the infection clears. According to DrGreene.com, children remain contagious for 24 to 48 hours after treatment has begun.
Treatment
A doctor will treat an infant with pinkeye according to the underlying cause of the problem. If a herpes infection was passed from the mother at birth, antiviral medication can be given to the baby to combat pinkeye along with any other potential symptoms of the infection. Other viral infections should be left to heal on their own. Bacterial conjunctivitis may necessitate a prescription for antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
Home Care
A baby with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis should be given a warm compress on the affected eye a few times daily until the infection clears. Parents should also keep the eye area clean by gently using a soft, damp washcloth to wipe away any tears, crusting or pus that forms in the eye. In the case of allergens causing pinkeye, the parents should make every effort to remove the source of allergens so that the baby can recover. A cool compress on the eyes may also aid calming a baby with allergic conjunctivitis.
