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Advice: Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis basics

  • Conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ is inflammation of the lining on the inner parts of the eyelid and the sclera (whites of the eyes) caused by an infection or irritant.
  • There are three types of conjunctivitis: bacterial, viral, and allergic. They can look similar but your provider will help determine the cause of your child’s symptoms.
  • Typical symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness of the inner eyelid, redness of the sclera, discharge, itchiness or irritation of the eye and sometimes swelling around the eye.
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious and is spread through direct contact with the eye’s discharge. Limit spread within your family with good hand hygiene and sanitization of surfaces.

Treatment

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops are needed to treat the infection and prevent spread. Your provider will help select the best medication for your child.
  • Viral conjunctivitis: Viral infections do not need treatment and will resolve on their own with time. Viral conjunctivitis is also commonly associated with other viral symptoms like runny nose and congestion which can impede the natural drainage of the eye. Nasal hygiene with nasal saline rinses, humidifiers, steamy showers will help clear the nose and allow the eye to drain more efficiently.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic symptoms can be treated broadly with oral antihistamines (ie. Claritin, Zytec, Benadryl, etc) and/or more locally with antihistamine eye drops (Pataday, Zatidor) for symptom relief. Removing the causative allergen is also helpful. Taking a shower or washing hands after being outside, closing windows, and using hypoallergenic products can all be helpful depending on your child's triggers.
  • For all types of conjunctivitis, using warm compresses three times per day can help reduce swelling and irritating symptoms.
  • Do not use contact lenses while symptomatic.

Returning to School

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious. Your child may return to school after using an antibiotic eye drops for 24 hours and once symptoms start to improve.
  • Children with viral conjunctivitis may return when they have been fever free for more than 24 hours without fever reducing medications and once symptoms start to improve.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, so your child does not need to stay home.

When to seek care

  • If your child’s symptoms are not improving after three days of eye drops
  • If your child develops significant eyelid swelling, redness, has changes in vision, is bothered by lights, or if they are unable to move their eyes like normal. These may indicate a different kind of infection that requires different treatment
  • If new symptoms develop
  • If you are concerned or have questions

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