Pink eye affects many youngsters (and adults). However, not many people know about this contagious disease. With that said, we are here today to discuss everything you must know about pink eye, as well as its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Understanding Pink Eye (And How It Spreads)
Pink eye, according to medical experts, affects the conjunctiva, which lines the eyelid and the eyeball.
Pink eye is easily transmitted by coming into direct touch with an infected person’s eye fluid or other body fluids, such as sneezing mucus. Pink eye can be contracted if you or your child come into contact with an infected person’s ocular fluid on towels, pillows, or other fabrics.
Pink Eye: The Symptoms
Pink eye symptoms should be treated as soon as possible to avoid them from worsening and spreading. Pink eye symptoms include:
- Eyes that are pink or red (often one eye for bacterial and both eyes for viral or allergic conjunctivitis)
- Swelling of the eyes and eyelids
- Tearing pus of yellow-green tint (more common in bacterial conjunctivitis)
- Rashes, itching, and burning
- A foreign item in the eye or the desire to touch the eye (s)
- In the morning, it is common for eyelids or eyelashes to build a crust.
- Common cold, influenza, or respiratory illness symptoms
- Painfully swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear. This extension may be difficult. (Lymph nodes catch and eliminate germs and viruses.)
- Allergic pink eye symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, or asthma.
Pink Eye: The Treatment
Pink eye has various subtypes, such as allergic, bacterial, sexually transmitted, and viral. Here are the treatments for each type of pink eye:
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Allergic Pink Eye
A pediatrician may prescribe antihistamines for allergic pink eyes. Apply cold compresses to your child’s eyes if they get inflamed.
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Bacterial Pink Eye
Antibiotic ointment or eye drops can be used to treat pink eye caused by germs. Even if your symptoms have eased, finish the entire course of antibiotics.
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Sexually Transmitted Pink Eye
Pink eye is more common in babies born to mothers who have active STDs. Antibiotic ointment or drops are used to cure pink eye.
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Viral Pink Eye
A pediatrician can only keep an eye on conjunctivitis for one week. If your child’s eyes become irritated, the doctor may advise him or her to apply cold compresses.
Make an appointment with your child’s doctor or ophthalmologist if you suspect pink eyes.
Put a Stop to the Spread of Pink Eye
Before your child’s pediatrician or ophthalmologist verifies pink eye, take the following steps:
- Wash your child’s hands frequently.
- Remind your child not to put their fingers in their eyes.
- Never let your child use your pillows or towels, and always wash them in hot water.
- Preteens and teenagers should not share mascara or eye makeup, and must remove makeup before sleeping.
- Consult your child’s doctor to determine whether or not he or she should stay at home until the pink eye is gone.
Conclusion
Perhaps detecting pink eyes in your child may be easy, but it is well worth it to prevent the spread of this. Now that you know more about this temporary disease, make sure to keep your child and their friends safe. In turn, you will also be able to keep yourself and your home safe and healthy.
For accessible kids’ urgent care in Tampa, FL, Your Kid’s Urgent Care provides high-quality and convenient urgent care pediatric services. Give us a call today and we’ll come to the rescue!
