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Conjunctivitis in ChildrenWhat is conjunctivitis in children?Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Conjunctivitis is also known as “pink eye” because the eye looks pink or red. In children, the condition is often grouped into either newborn conjunctivitis or childhood conjunctivitis. There are different causes and treatments for each group. Types of newborn conjunctivitis include:
Childhood conjunctivitis is a swelling of the conjunctiva and may also include an infection. It is a very common problem in children. Large outbreaks of conjunctivitis are often seen in daycare settings or schools. The most common causes of childhood conjunctivitis are:
If the condition is caused by an infection, it’s important to know that the infection can spread from one eye to the other by touching the affected eye or fluid from the eye. The infection can also spread to other people. Fluid from the eye is still contagious for 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. What causes conjunctivitis in a child?There are many different causes of conjunctivitis. The most common causes are:
Which children are at risk for conjunctivitis?A child who has had contact with any of the below are at risk for the condition:
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis in a child?Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is conjunctivitis diagnosed in a child?The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she may also ask about your family’s health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. In some cases, a sample of the fluid leaking from the eye may be tested to help confirm the cause of the infection.How is conjunctivitis treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause of the condition, for example:
If the condition is caused by an infection, it’s important to know that the infection can spread from one eye to the other by touching the affected eye or fluid from the eye. The infection can also spread to other people. Fluid from the eye is still contagious for 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. To help prevent spread of the infection, wash your hands often when caring for your child. Make sure your child doesn’t touch his or her eyes. Have your child wash his or her hands often. What are possible complications of conjunctivitis in a child?Conjunctivitis caused by herpes is a more serious infection. If untreated, it may lead to scarring of the eye and vision loss.Key points about conjunctivitis in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
Does pink eye affect baby?Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, causes swelling and redness inside the eyelid and the white part of the eye. It can also make eyes feel itchy and painful. Newborns who get pink eye will usually have these symptoms 1 day to 2 weeks after birth. Pink eye can cause serious health problems for newborn babies.
Should I take my baby to the doctor for pink eye?According to Leah Owen, MD, a pediatric specialist at the Moran Eye Center, “If your child is experiencing a vision change or significant discomfort, increasing redness or discharge, has worsening swelling of the eyelids, or is experiencing systemic symptoms such as fever, they should be seen by their primary doctor.” ...
Can pink eye cause blindness in babies?If left untreated, bacterial pink eye in newborns can cause serious infections in other parts of their body or—in the cases of herpes—blindness and vision problems.
How do babies catch pink eye?Causes of pink eye in babies and toddlers
Viruses, many of which also cause colds, are the most common cause (in fact, kids often develop pink eye when they get the sniffles — so you can think of conjunctivitis as a "cold" in your toddler's eye) Bacteria, some of which also cause strep throat.
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