Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is defined as the inflammation, swelling or infection of the eyelid membranes. Symptoms may include itchy, red or pink eyes plus a gooey discharge from the eyes that may be green, yellow, white or clear in color. Pink eye is contagious. Limit your child's exposure to touching his eyes and remember to wash your and your child's hands frequently. Pink eye goes away on its own or with medicine treatment within a week.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pink eye may vary from child to child. In most cases, a child may experience extra eye discharge in the morning, causing her eyelids to stick together more than normal. Other symptoms may include an itchy feeling in the eyes, swollen eyelids, eyes that look pink or red as well as excessive discharge that may be green, yellow, white or clear in color. Pink eye may only occur in one eye; however, it is not uncommon for both eyes to get infected, especially if your child likes to touch his face and eyes a lot.
How to Catch Pink Eye
Pink eye is caused by a variety of reasons. Most infections are caused by bacteria or a virus. Other causes of pink eye include allergic reactions or environmental irritants, like pollution. Pink eye is spread from touching an infected person or area then touching your eyes as well as sharing contaminated items, such as tissues and towels. It can also be spread by coughing or sneezing as well as through contaminated bodies of water, such as the swimming pool. Kids can pass the infection to their parents, caretakers and other adults who watch after kids.
Treatment
It may take about a week for pink eye to go away on its own. For children with a more virulent strand, your child's doctor will perform an eye and ear exam to determine whether or not the infection is bacterial. Your child's doctor may prescribe medication, including eye drops and ointment, to fight the infection and alleviate symptoms. There is no medicine for viral conjunctivitis. Only your body is able to fight off a viral infection of any kind. In addition to medication, use a warm or cool wet washcloth to ease crusty or gooey discharge symptoms.
Prevention
When treating a child with pink eye, be sure to place any and all towels and washcloths that touch your child's face into the washing machine. In fact, use disposable wipes, tissues or cotton balls when clearing out discharge. Always wash your hands after touching your child and encourage your child to wash his hands, too. Tell your child to refrain from touching his face, eyes or other people until the infection clears, and keep him away from other children as much as possible.
