- What are the Causes of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children?
- How to Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children?
- Proven Home Remedies for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- How To Treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children?
- Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
- Prescription Medicines for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- General Tips to Use Prescribed Medications for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- When to See a doctor
- Tips To Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Pink eye (Conjunctivitis) is a common eye problem in children. The pathophysiology involves conjunctiva inflammation that covers the eye’s white part. Pink eye (Conjunctivitis) in children is caused by
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Allergies
American Academy of Pediatrics research indicated that 1% of U.S. children visit hospitals for conjunctivitis. Pediatric conjunctivitis is 30% bacterial.
In nurseries and schools, conjunctivitis epidemics are prevalent, according to a study of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Europe’s annual incidence rate is 5.5 cases per 100 children.
Parents must recognize pink eye symptoms in their children. Adopt suitable preventive measures to control the spread of infection. This blog covers children’s pink eye (Conjunctivitis) causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What are the Causes of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children?
There are different types of pink eye (Conjunctivitis) in children.
Bacterial
Viral
Allergic
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Chlamydia trachomatis¹²
Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis are:
Redness of eye
Swelling
Yellow-green discharge from the eyes
It can affect one or even both eyes of children.
Bacterial conjunctivitis may be associated with ear infections or respiratory infections. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Viral Conjunctivitis
– Viral conjunctivitis is caused by viruses, including
• Adenoviruses
• Herpes virus
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis in children are
- Redness of eyes
- Watering
- Clear or white discharge from the eyes
It usually affects one eye first and, after a few days, spreads to the other eye.
It may also cause
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cold symptoms
It usually recovers within 7-14 days without treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis is treated with
Antiviral eye drops
Antiviral ointments
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is due to an allergic reaction to
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Cosmetics
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in children are
Redness
Itching
Burning
Watery discharge from the eyes
It usually affects both eyes and may be associated with other allergic symptoms, such as Sneezing
Runny nose
Asthma
It can be treated with
• Artificial tears
• Cold compresses
• Antihistamine eye drops
• Oral medications
Pink eye (Conjunctivitis) can spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as towels, toys, or doorknobs. It can also spread in case of contact with the infected eye secretions.
Risk factors for pink eye include
• Poor hygiene practices
• Crowded living conditions
• Exposure to allergens.
How to Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children?
Preventing the spread of pink eye in your child and others is crucial. A few tips to avoid pink eye (conjunctivitis) are:
- Encourage your child to properly wash their hands frequently with soap and water
- Ask your child to avoid touching their eyes
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, and makeup
- Keep your child’s bedding and clothes clean
- Vaccinations can help prevent some types of conjunctivitis
5 Proven Home Remedies for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
There are several proven home remedies for pink eye (conjunctivitis). They can help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing.
Here are five remedies to consider:
1. Warm Compress
A warm compress to the affected eye relieves inflammation and reduces symptoms. Soak a clean, soft cloth in warm water and bring it out. Place it over the closed eye for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this remedy several times a day.
2. Cold Compress
A cold compress can also help reduce inflammation and soothe the eye. Wrap some ice cubes in a clean, soft cloth. Place it over the affected eye for 10-15 minutes. Repeat it several times a day for quick results.
3. Honey
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey may help fight infection and soothe the eye. To make honey eye wash, dissolve a teaspoon of raw honey in a cup of boiled and cooled water. Apply the solution to the eye with a dropper or cotton ball.
4. Green tea
There are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in green tea. These may help reduce inflammation and irritation in the eye. Put a tea bag in hot water and let it cool. Place it over the closed eye for 10 minutes.
5. Aloe vera
The healing and cooling properties of aloe vera reduce redness and inflammation in the eye. Apply a little amount of fresh aloe vera gel to the eye with a cotton swab or a clean finger.
These home remedies are not substitutes for medical advice. If pink eye is
- Severe
- Persistent
Accompanied by other symptoms such as
- Pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Fever
- Vision problems
It is important to visit a pediatrician as early as possible. He may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. He may also recommend other treatments for allergic or irritant pink eye.
How To Treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children?
A- Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
Some over-the-counter eye drops for pink eye (conjunctivitis) in children are:
Artificial tears. These are eye drops that lubricate and soothe the eyes. They reduce dryness and irritation caused by conjunctivitis. They also wash away allergens or irritants from the eye. Allergens may trigger allergic conjunctivitis in children.
Antihistamine eye drops. These eye drops are helpful in reducing inflammation and itching due to allergic conjunctivitis. They block the effects of histamine that trigger allergic reactions. Some examples of antihistamine eye drops are
- Ketotifen
- Olopatadine
- Azelastine.
Vasoconstrictor eye drops. They help to reduce redness and swelling due to conjunctivitis. They constrict the blood vessels in the eyes and reduce inflammation. Some examples of vasoconstrictor eye drops are
- Naphazoline
- Tetrahydrozoline
- Oxymetazoline.
Over-the-counter eye drops may not be effective for all types of conjunctivitis. For example, they may not help with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. In bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, antibacterial or antiviral eye drops or ointments are needed.
Also, over-the-counter eye drops may have side effects such as
Burning
Stinging
Dryness
Blurred vision³
Always consult a pediatrician before using any eye drops for conjunctivitis in kids.
B- Prescription Medications
The prescription medications for pink eye conjunctivitis in children depend on the underlying cause. Different types of pink eye may require different treatments.
– Bacterial pink eye: Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments, such as
- Chloramphenicol
- Moxifloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
These medications kill the bacteria and shorten the duration of infection. They should be used as directed by the doctor. Complete the full course of treatment and prevent relapse .
– Viral pink eye: It is often associated with a common cold or respiratory infection. Antiviral eye drops or ointment may be prescribed for herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus, such as
- Acyclovir
- Valacyclovir
These antivirals reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. They should be taken immediately after the onset of symptoms.
– Allergic pink eye: This condition can be treated with anti-allergy medications prescribed by a doctor, such as
Antihistamine eye drops
Mast cell stabilizers
Steroids
These medications reduce inflammation and allergic response in the eye. They should be used as directed by the doctor. Complete the course for the duration of the allergy season or exposure to the allergen.
General Tips To Use Prescribed Medications for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Follow the doctor’s instructions about the use of prescribed medications for conjunctivitis in children. Some general tips are:
– Use eye drops or ointment after washing your hands.
– Avoid touching the dropper or tube tip to the eye or other surface.
– Do not share or use the medication for other conditions.
– Don’t wear contacts until the infection is gone and your doctor says it’s okay.
– Call your doctor if your child’s symptoms worsen or don’t improve after taking the medication.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if your child’s symptoms worsen like
- Severe discomfort
- Vision changes
- Light sensitivity
During a doctor’s visit, your child may undergo a physical exam or have samples of eye secretions collected for testing. The suggested treatment depends on the underlying cause of pink eye.
Tips To Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Children
To prevent pink eye (Conjunctivitis) in children, you can follow these tips:
– **Wash and clean your hands with water and soap**, and help your children do the same. Wash your hands especially well before and after touching your eyes or someone else’s eyes or after handling items that may have come into contact with infected eyes, such as towels, pillows, makeup or contact lenses.
– **Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes**, and teach your children to do the same. This can help prevent introducing or spreading germs or allergens into your eyes.
– **Do not share personal items such as eye drops, eye makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, contact lens cases, eyeglasses, towels, pillows or face masks.
– **Avoid exposure to allergens or irritants** that may trigger pink eyes, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, chlorine or cosmetics. If you or your child have allergies, you may use anti-allergy medications or eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
– **Do not use swimming pools** if you or your child have pink eye or are at risk of getting it. Swimming pools may contain germs or chemicals that can irritate the eyes or cause infection.
– ** Follow the instructions of the doctor about use the medications and how long to stay away from school.
Conclusion
Pink eye can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition for children. With proper care and attention, symptoms can be managed, and healing can be improved. Be sure to take steps to prevent the spread of infection. Seek medical attention in case of the severity of symptoms.
FAQs
1. What is the most common reason for pink eye (Conjunctivitis) in children?
The most common reason for pink eye in children is viral infection.
2. Can pink eye heal on its own without treatment?
In some cases, pink eye may go away without treatment. It’s important to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention when needed.
3. Can I prevent my kid from getting pink eye?
While the pink eye can be difficult to prevent entirely, taking steps to prevent the spread of infection can help reduce your child’s risk of becoming infected.
4. Are natural remedies effective for treating pink eye?
Some natural remedies may be helpful in reducing symptoms of pink eye. It is important to research these remedies and follow instructions.
5. How long is the recovery period for pink eye?
Recovery from pink eye depends on the cause and the severity of the symptoms. In a few cases, it may take even weeks to fully recover.
6. Does COVID-19 cause pink eye conjunctivitis in children?
As per a study in China, COVID-19 can cause pink eye conjunctivitis in about 22.7% of children who are infected. This study did not confirm that the coronavirus directly caused the eye symptoms. Other factors could also be involved in causing pink eye in children.
