Immediately following the birth of your baby, you will notice his eyelids appear puffy, which is caused by the pressure on your baby's face during delivery. This puffiness is temporary and is usually gone within a week. If your baby develops puffy eyelids long after the swelling reduces from birth, conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is often to blame. Conjunctiva is caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane on the interior side of the eyelids.
Cause
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or allergy. It's not seasonal, so it can happen at any time of the year. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. According to "What to Expect: the Toddler Years," the transmission of pinkeye is often passed from person to person through contact with towels, washcloths or bed linens. Puffiness brought on by an allergy can often develop from environmental and household irritants.
Identification
In addition to the eye being puffy, a baby with conjunctivitis will also have bright pink eyes. Your baby may wake up in the morning with crust that forms on the eyelid overnight. The eye, or eyes, will appear irritated and tear excessively. According to MayoClinic.com, watery eye discharge often indicates a viral infection and thicker yellowish green discharge often indicates bacteria.
Time Frame
According to MayoClinic.com, no treatment for viral conjunctivitis exists, so the infection will need to run its course, typically lasting approximately two weeks. Bacterial pinkeye can also last two weeks; however, improvements are usually seen within a few days after treatment begins. The disappearance of puffiness caused by an allergy will depend on the presence of the stimuli that triggers the allergy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies need to stay out of daycare until viral and bacterial pinkeye has disappeared.
Treatment
According to MayoClinic.com, an antibiotic eye ointment will often be prescribed since it's easier to apply than eye drops. Doctors will often begin antibiotic eye ointments in both bacterial and viral infection. If the antibiotics do not improve the infection, it is most likely viral. However, the eye ointment will often help relieve irritation caused by viral conjunctivitis. If the puffiness is caused by an allergy, a topical antihistamine is often prescribed. According to "What to Expect: the Toddler Years," applying a warm wash cloth to the eye for five to 10 minutes every three hours can relieve some discomfort from all three types of conjunctivitis.
Prevention
To prevent pinkeye, keep your baby away from people who show signs of conjunctivitis. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day, especially before picking up your baby and be sure to keep your baby's hands clean as well. Only use clean towels and be sure nobody is sharing a towel with your baby. Good hygiene and a clean house are keys to prevention of pinkeye. Although some allergens may be unpreventable, you can prevent exposing your baby to some, such as cigarette smoke.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Conjunctivitis
- MayoClinic.com: Pink Eye
- "What to Expect: the Toddler Years"; Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway; 2008
