Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis ) In Toddlers – 3 Causes, 8 Symptoms & 4 Treatments You Should Be Aware Of

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If your daughter comes home from school with a pink, inflamed and watering eye, the most probably diagnosis is conjunctivitis. You might also witness swollen eyes when your toddler wakes up in the morning. Don’t panic! With proper care you can help alleviate her discomfort.

What Causes Pink Eye In Toddlers?

Conjunctivitis is caused by the same virus that causes colds. It is an infection in the white part of the eye that inflames the blood vessels.

  1. Pinkeye is also caused by bacteria, irritants like dirt, grains, pollen and allergens like soap, smoke or dust.
  2. Pink eye that is caused by viruses or bacteria spreads from one child to another easily. However, this does not cause any serious complications, even if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
  3. If your newborn is suffering from pink eye, you must consult the doctor immediately. This will ensure your baby is saved from vision threatening infections.

[ Read: Home Remedies For Cold In Toddlers ]

 Symptoms Of Pink Eye In Toddlers:

Symptoms of conjunctivitis tend to vary from children to children. However, the common symptoms that you can look for are as follows:

  1. Increase in amount of tears.
  2. Redness in the white area or the inner eyelid.
  3. White or green discharge from the eye.
  4. Itchiness in the eyes.
  5. Formation of yellow crusts on the eyelashes, after sleep.
  6. Blurred vision.
  7. Burning sensation in the eyes.
  8. Sensitivity to light.

[ Read: Fever In Toddlers ]

What To Expect At The Doctor’s:

If your child complains about any of these symptoms, or you notice any one of them, make sure to consult the doctor. In such cases, doctors generally:

  • Ask you to take your toddler for an eye examination.
  • Use a cotton wool to take fluid samples from eye and analyze it in the laboratory.
  • Proper treatment can identify the cause behind the infection.

[ Read: Toddler Ear Infection ]

Treatment Of Pink Eye In Toddlers:

The treatment procedure depends on the causes behind a pink eye. Below is a list of treatment procedures followed:

1. Bacteria:

If the cause behind pink eye is bacteria, doctors prescribe antibiotics in the form of pills, eye drops or creams.

  • You need to apply the drops or cream inside the eyelid for around a week.
  • Ask your doctor how long the pills should be continued.
  • Usually the pills are supposed to be taken until the symptoms go away.

2. Virus:

If a virus is the cause behind conjunctivitis, following treatment measures are followed:

  • Conjunctivitis caused by a virus is highly contagious.
  • It can spread from hands. It is thus essential to wash hands repeatedly.
  • The symptoms generally stay for seven days.

3. Irritants:

If conjunctivitis is caused by irritants, make sure that you wash your child’s eyes thoroughly and also ask him or her to do so.

  • The condition shall start improving in 4 hours.
  • If the infection is caused by alkaline or acid materials, ask him to wash his eyes with plenty of water.
  • Inform the doctor if infection increases.

4. Allergies:

Conjunctivitis can be a result of certain allergies as well.

  • The infection shall improve once the allergen is removed and allergy treated.
  • Consult with your doctor to know if the cause behind conjunctivitis is an allergen.

Tips To Prevent Toddlers Pink Eye Infection:

The following tips will help in curbing the child’s infection from spreading among other family members and siblings:

  • Change the bed linens frequently and wash them in hot water separately.
  • Ask other children, coming near to your toddler, to wash their hands frequently.
  • Apply spray on plastic toys, door handles with disinfectants.
  • If your toddler attends swimming classes, inform the trainer as well. Chlorine in pools can be a primary reason for conjunctivitis.

The good news is pink eye lasts for not more than five days. If the infection lingers beyond this duration, you must inform the doctor. Get your child re-evaluated and take proper action.

Do share with us what you did to ease your toddler’s suffering from conjunctivitis, in the section below.

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